Vietnam – Singapore relationship upgrade considered strategic step
The strategic significance of the Vietnam - Singapore relationship upgrade could be seen in its broader impact and added value generated for the region and the world.
General Secretary To Lam (L) and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the joint press briefing on March 12, 2025. (Photo: VNA)
Singapore (VNA) – The official visit to Singapore by Party General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and the high-level delegation of Vietnam was successf♑ul, highlighted by the upgrade of the countries' relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership – a strategic move reflecting their strong and close-knit ties.
So said Professor Bilveer Singh, deputy head of the Political Science Department at the National University of Singapore, in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency.
According to the professor, bilateral relations now become comprehensive and span all areas, from politics, economy, science and technology to culture and society. The strategic significance of this relationship upgrade could be seen in its broader impact and added value generated for the region and the world.
He stressed that beyond strengthening bilateral ties, the relationship serves as a building block for the region. Despite certain differences, the two share multiple similarities, creating opportunities for experience exchange and mutual learning. In political science and economics, this means complementarities and comparative advantages for both sides.
General Secretary To Lam (L) and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the joint press briefing. (Photo: VNA)
To fully leverage the potential of the comprehensive strategic partnership, the countries should enhance people-to-people diplomacy, he said, noting that General Secretary To Lam's visit to Singapore showed closer government-to-government ties, but people-to-people diplomacy still has a long way to go.
He pointed out that many Singaporeans have modest knowledge of Vietnamese cities or history, with their familiarity often limited to Vietnamese cuisine and affordable travel destinations. Therefore, promoting closer bonds between the two peoples is essential.
Additionally, Singh emphasised the importance of clearly identifying strategic issues and ensuring they do not impact bilateral relations. Bridging communication gaps and enhancing community engagement are also crucial to advancing the effectiveness of the Vietnam – Singapore comprehensive strategic partnership./.
Singapore stands as a trusted partner in Vietnam’s goal to become a high-income economy by 2045, with both nations sharing strengths in economic collaboration, technology exchange, and sustainable development.
Singaporean content platform opengovasia.com said Singapore is playing an active role in enhancing the Green-Digital Economic Partnership with Vietnam, with both nations seeking to collaborate across various sectors, including the digital economy, renewable energy and innovation.
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.
