Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and Singapore on December 15 discussed specific measuresto enhance their bilateral ties, including the enhancement of political anddiplomatic links by increasing visits and meetings at all levels and vial allchannels and mechanisms of bilateral cooperation.

While co-chairing the online13th Vietnam-Singapore political consultation, Vietnamese Deputy Ministerof Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung and Permanent Secretary of the SingaporeanMinistry of Foreign Affairs Chee Wee Kiong shared the view that the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership has developedintensively, extensively and practically, even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Theysaid in 2021, ASEAN needs to maintain its solidarity and centrality, as well asthe momentum of the ASEAN Community building, realise agreed plans and initiatives, and cooperate in the pandemic combat and development recovery.

Thetwo sides committed to further joining hands and supporting each other atregional and international forums and organisations such as the United Nationsand the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Theywill also work together to implement the Comprehensive and ProgressiveAgreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and push ahead with theratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.

Dungsuggested the two sides step up collaboration in the areas of their potentialand strength, and called on Singapore to increase its investments in such areasas infrastructure development, logistics, IT and agriculture, particularly infarm produce marketing and trade, and high-tech agriculture.

Hespoke highly of Singapore’s contributions to maintaining peace and stability inthe East Sea and promoting the rules-based order in the region, proving its activerole and responsibility for regional peace and security.

Forhis part, Chee suggested the two countries soon resume flightsand complete the negotiations on priority travel regulations, saying Singapore standsready to facilitate the travelling of Vietnamese citizens.

He laudedVietnam’s efforts and initiatives as ASEAN Chair in 2020 which has witnessed arange of difficulties.

The twoofficials also discussed regional and international issues of shared concern.

Regardingthe complex developments in the East Sea, both officials stressed the importance of maintainingpeace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in theEast Sea, and addressing disputes by peaceful measures in line with internationallaw, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).   

Theyalso backed the strict and full implementation of the Declaration on theConduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and negotiations between ASEAN andChina to reach a result-oriented and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC)in accordance with international law./.