Vietnam - Singapore ties contribute to cohesion in ASEAN: expert
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s upcoming Singapore visit holds great significance, since this is an occasion for him and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong enhance relations between the two Governments and States, thereby contributing to cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN Plus.
The meeting between PM Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and related summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November 2022. (Photo: VNA)
Singapore (VNA) – PrimeMinister Pham Minh Chinh’s upcoming Singapore visit holds great significance, sincethis is an occasion for him and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loongenhance relations between the two Governments and States, thereby contributing tocooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEANPlus.
So said Prof. Bilveer Singh from theDepartment of Political Science at the National University of Singapore in aninterview granted to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of PM Chinh’s official visitto the city state from February 8 to 10.
He held that the way in which Vietnamand Singapore view and understand each other, and together move forward amidnumerous fast-changing external challenges is highly important.
Assessing their strategicpartnership, he highlighted the development of bilateral connections ineconomy, politics, diplomacy, culture, and defence, adding that the twocountries’ relationship have established itself as a special one.
Prof. Bilveer Singh from the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore. (Photo: VNA)
The expert described Vietnam andSingapore as pillars of ASEAN over the last 10 - 15 years, saying thedevelopment of their ties within the bloc’s is crucial.
The countries are moving in the rightroadmap and should work harder to become the cohesion of ASEAN, he went on,noting that they are the most stable nations in Southeast Asia at present, sothey are in advantageous positions to push the bloc forward.
Talkingabout defence and security cooperation, Singh said the two sides have maintained an annualdefence policy dialogue, but they should further strengthen links between theirnaval, land, air, and civil defence forces. They also need step up officerexchanges to help boost mutual understanding and military ties.
Besides, he also suggested Vietnam andSingapore identify potential cooperation fields ofwhich cyber security is a major area that Singapore is very strong at.
Theprofessor expected that both will together lead ASEAN on the path tosustainable development. As long as they can promote and maintain the bloc’sunity and cooperation with major powers, it will be crucial to safeguardingsecurity in the Indo-Pacific region or the Asia-Pacific region./.
Vietnam remains a magnet for Singaporean investors, with sustainable development being a promising area of collaboration in the coming time, according to Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam.
Chairman of the People’s Committee of the southern province of Binh Duong Duong Vo Van Minh had a working session with CEO of Semncorp Development of Singapore Kelvin Teo on January 12 to discuss the firm’s investment in Vietnam – Singapore industrial park projects in the locality.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam will pay official visits to the Republic of Singapore and Brunei Darussalam from February 8-11.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Mai Phuoc Dung has highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s coming official visit to the city state, the first among many events to be held in both countries to mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and 10 years of the strategic partnership.
The upcoming visit to Singapore by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is expected to open up important orientations for the bilateral ties, especially in digital technology and green transition, an expert has said.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Ha expressed his hope that cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, and natural resources would emerge as new focal points and engines of growth in Vietnam–China relations.
Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, Hoan, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in connection with a case involving the Hoang Long Construction and Manpower Supply JSC and related units.
Chairing a national conference on the organisation of the examination on June 18, the PM highlighted the historical significance of the examination, as the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units is underway and the two-tier local administration model is set to officially begin operations on July 1.
Right on the same day, the ministry issued its highest-level travel warning, urging Vietnamese citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran, and advised those already in these countries to swiftly consider evacuation or relocation plans.
From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.
The Party leader's working session with the standing boards of the Party Committees of HCM City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong, the VNA General Director's remarks on the occasion of the 19th OANA General Assembly, the launch of new NIC - Google initiatives aimed at bolstering AI entrepreneurship and digital literacy in Vietnam are among news highlights June 18.
Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
The Vietnamese representative also emphasised the shared responsibility of relevant parties to build trust, enhance cooperation, and jointly manage the risks of conflict, thus safeguarding long-term peace and stability in the East Sea.
The National Assembly on June 18 passed the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality, with 408 out of 420 participating deputies voting in favour, accounting for 85.36% of the total.
The Party leader asked the new HCM City to embrace a multi-centre and integrated urban ecosystem where each development pole functions as a link complementary to and intelligently connected with each other in a harmonious whole.
The resolutions issued by the PM as well as ministries and ministry-level agencies reassign responsibility for 346 administrative procedures - 18 from district to provincial levels, 278 to commune level, and 50 eliminated.
Legislators are due to pass several amended laws, including the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, and the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality.
Vietnamese localities' readiness to implement the two-tier local administration model, the evacuation of 18 Vietnamese citizens from Iran, Petrovietnam's 11th ranking in the 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 are among news highlights on June 17 evening.
The meeting between PM Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and related summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November 2022. (Photo: VNA) 
Prof. Bilveer Singh from the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore. (Photo: VNA) 
