They shared the view that since the establishment ofbilateral strategic partnership in 2013, Vietnam and Singapore have witnessed theeffective development of bilateral ties in a range of fields from politics,defence-security, to economy, trade, investment, education and people-to-peopleexchange.
Singapore is the third largest investor in Vietnam withnearly 2,000 projects worth 42 billion USD, nearly two-fold increase from thatrecorded since the upgrade of bilateral ties to strategic partnership level,mostly contributed by eight Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Parks based inVietnam.
New progresses have been seen in defence-security ties,especially in the exchange of naval vessels, counter-terrorism and cybersecurity. Increasing cultural collaboration and people-to-people exchange havecontributed to raising mutual understanding between the two peoples.
The two officials vowed to continue maintaining trustworthypolitical ties between the two countries, jointly celebrate the 45thanniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the fifth anniversary of strategicpartnership, with a focus on cultural activities and people-to-people exchange,increasing the exchange of high-level delegations via the Party, Government,State, National Assembly channels.
They underscored the need to make new highlights in thefields of defence-security, trade-investment, education-training, labour andscience-technology, and boost coordination between naval and air forces, armymedical corps, in search and rescue and defence technology.
Singapore committed to increasing investment in Vietnam inenergy, urban development and building a network of smart cities.
Both sides pledged to work closely together at regional andglobal forums, especially at ASEAN. The Vietnamese side spoke highly ofSingapore’s efforts and initiatives in its position as ASEAN Chair 2018 andsupported ASEAN’s theme of resilience and innovation.
They agreed that ASEAN needs to uphold the spirit of resiliencein every aspect on the back of its common principles and commitments, maintainsolidarity and central role in regional strategic issues.
Singapore promised to continue promoting cooperation in theGreater Mekong Sub-Region in its role as ASEAN Chair and help Cambodia, Laos,Myanmar and Vietnam narrow development gap during integration.
The same day, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung hosted areception for Chee Wee Kiong and discussed issues of shared concern.
The next political consultation is scheduled to be held inSingapore in 2019.-VNA