Hanoi (VNA)ꩵ – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs DoHung Viet and Permanent Secretary in the Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs AlbertChua co-chaired the 15th Vietnam - Singapore Political Consultation in Hanoi on May 18.

At the event, the two sides focused their discussion on progress of and directions to promote the implementation of theagreements reached by the two countries' leaders in key areas as well as regional andinternational issues of mutual concern. 

They affirmed that the Vietnam-Singapore StrategicPartnership has been deepening and growing effective in all fields, thushelping increase political trust. 

𒆙 The two sides were also delighted with outstanding achievementsin trade and investment cooperation. Singapore's investment in Vietnam reached71.3 billion USD with 3,100 projects, ranking first among ASEAN countries andfourth in total foreign investment in Vietnam, with the 14 Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Parks(VSIPs) in different regions of Vietnam contributing greatly to this result. 

In addition, the two countries have boosted cooperation inother important fields such as national defense, security, education, culture,and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides vowed to work closely to enhance connectivity,raise the level of cooperation, well prepare for high-level visit  exchanges, and organise practical activities to celebrate the 50th anniversaryof diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of theirStrategic Partnership this year.  The Singaporean official affirmed thatVietnam is an important partner of Singapore in the region. Singapore is alwaysready to share experiences with Vietnam and promote cooperation in fields ofpotential and strength such as digital transformation, technology and greenenergy (especially wind and solar power), smart city development, andfood security. The two sides agreed to maintain consultations and activelycoordinate with other ASEAN member countries to promote the bloc’s unity andsustainable development, reform ASEAN's working style towards a dynamic, flexible, and efficient ASEAN,worthy of being the central force leading regional processes, effectivelycontributing to peace, stability, and development in the region. Discussing the international and regional situation, the two deputy ministers agreed that multilateralism, equal relations, balanced interests, and harmony in approach between countries are prerequisites forpeace and stability.  The two sides also shared the determination to make the EastSea a sea of peace, cooperation, and development; together with ASEANcountries to strictly and fully implement the Declaration of the Conduct ofParties in the East Sea (DOC), strive to soon achieve an effective, efficientCode of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) following internationallaw and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides agreed to hold the next one inSingapore in 2024.

Hosting Chua on May 18, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son appreciated the strong and extensive development of the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership, especially in economy, trade and investment.

He suggested further promoting the important role of the political consultation mechanism in reviewing and proposing cooperation directions between the two nations’ foreign ministries.

The minister proposed the two foreign ministries coordinate in organising activities marking the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations (1973-2023) and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership (2013-2023), including the exchange of delegations at all levels, people-to-people exchanges, and educational cooperation.

He also suggested the two ministries work closely with other Vietnamese and Singaporean ministries and sectors to step up the nations’ economic collaboration, make effective use of the newly established digital economy - green economy partnership, develop new-generation VSIPs, and work to upgrade and expand the framework agreement connecting the two economies.

For his part, Chua affirmed Vietnam is an important partner of Singapore in the region. He told his host that more and more Singaporean businesses want to expand their investment and business in the Southeast Asian country.

Highlighting his support for the nations’ further cooperation in maintaining ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality, he agreed to strengthen the two ministries’ consultations and exchanges at regional and international forums as well as joint work between their units./.