Hanoi (VNA) ✃– A ceremony was held in Hanoi on August 1to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam - Singapore diplomaticrelationship (August 1, 1973 - 2023) and the 10th anniversary oftheir strategic partnership.

The event was organised by the Vietnam Union of FriendshipOrganisations (VUFO), the Vietnam - Singapore Friendship Association, and theSingaporean Embassy in Vietnam. On behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, VicePresident Vo Thi Anh Xuan offered congratulations to the Singaporean Governmentand people on the anniversaries. She noted that over the last 50 years, especially since the elevation ofbilateral ties to the strategic partnership level in 2013, relations between the twocountries have been developing strongly, dynamically, and substantively as seenin all-level mutual visits and meetings; economy, trade and investment; education;and people-to-people exchanges. Vietnam always keeps in mind and appreciates the practical assistance ofinternational friends during trying times, she said, adding that Singapore wasone of the first ASEAN countries to donate medical supplies to Vietnam amid theCOVID-19 pandemic. The two countries’ relations provide a success model in both bilateral andmultilateral aspects, as well as in the region and the world. Sincere andtrustworthy political ties have created a prerequisite for extensive,substantive, and fruitful cooperation in multiple fields, the Vice President emphasised. Xuan expressed her belief that basing on the solid foundation built up over halfa century, with the strong determination of both countries’ leaders, people andbusinesses, the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership will keep flourishing in the comingtime to benefit the two peoples, help build a united, resilient and strongASEAN Community, and contribute to regional and global peace, cooperation anddevelopment. In his remarks, Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnamsaid a highlight of bilateral relations is the strong mutual trust and respect,nurtured through frequent meetings at all levels. He held that with the solid foundation created by the twocountries’ leaders and people, their relations will grow even more in the future. For her part, VUFO President Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga underlined theimportance of people-to-people exchanges to the Vietnam - Singapore connections. She affirmed that VUFO and the Vietnam - Singapore FriendshipAssociation have been fulfilling their bridging role in linking the two sides andcoordinating with Singaporean partners and people’s organisations to effectivelycarry out the signed agreements and strengthen people-to-people ties, thereby helpingto further enhance the bilateral friendship, cooperation, and strategicpartnership./.