Vietnam – Singapore relations poised for breakthrough: Singaporean MP
Vietnam and Singapore aim to elevate the bilateral relations, particularly in the domains of technology, digital partnerships, and renewable energy which are critical issues not only for the two ASEAN nations but also for the whole region.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien (R) holds talks with Second Minister for Trade and Industry on the expansion of cooperation in economy, trade, and energy in March last year. (Photo: VNA)
Singapore (VNA) – The Vietnam – Singapore ties are expected to witness a new breakthrough as both nations are preparing to celebrate significant milestones this year – Vietnam’s 80th National Day and Singapore’s 60th Independence Day, according to Member of Parliament, Mayor of North East District Desmond Choo.
He told the Vietnam News Agency that the bilateral relations are advancing towards a crucial development phase, with efforts having been made to consolidate the people-to-people ties and enhance economic and political cooperation. Singapore has made substantial investments in Vietnam, including the Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Parks which have created opportunities for Singaporean and ASEAN investors in the country.
Both countries aim to elevate the bilateral relations, particularly in the domains of technology, digital partnerships, and renewable energy which are critical issues not only for the two ASEAN nations but also for the whole region.
Desmond expressed his hope that Vietnam and Singapore could work together to handle common challenges and develop stronger solutions, contributing to sustainable development for countries throughout the region.
Touching on the areas that the two countries could focus to promote future cooperation potential, he suggested strengthening people-to-people diplomacy, helping people from both countries, across various levels from senior officials to students, to gain deeper understanding of each other's culture and business practices.
He added that the second major area where Vietnam and Singapore could enhance cooperation is technology and digitalisation, expressing his hope for increased collaboration with Vietnamese companies and support for Singaporean businesses to expand operation into Vietnam to leverage the country’s abundant human resources, especially in the technology sector./.
The trip underscores the importance the Vietnamese Party and State attach to relations with neighbouring countries in the region, including two key partners —Indonesia and Singapore, while highlighting Vietnam's proactive, responsible, and innovative spirit, with practical contributions toward realising ASEAN’s shared aspirations for the future.
Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Indonesia, official visit to the ASEAN Secretariat based in the country, and official visit to Singapore from March 9-13 demonstrates the consistent implementation of Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, and multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
