Great expectations for Vietnam - Singapore relationship

General Secretary To Lam and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at a meeting and speech to the press at noon on March 12. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

After Vietnam and Singapore officially upgraded their bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on March 12 during the visit of General Secretary To Lam, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's visit to Vietnam just over a week later attracted great public attention.

According to experts in Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's visit to Vietnam from March 25-26 shows great expectations for the substantive relationship between Vietnam and Singapore.

In an interview with VNA reporters in Singapore, Professor Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore said that the upgrading of the two countries' relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, along with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's visit to Vietnam shortly afterwards, demonstrated Singapore's great expectations for the bilateral relationship. That expectation was fueled by Vietnam's strong transformation in its determination to turn its limitations into outstanding advantages, especially in three factors: improving its institutional and institutional systems, proactively grasping science and technology, and achieving rapid and impressive growth.

According to Professor Vu Minh Khuong, the timing of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit is not only due to Singapore’s timing but also reflects a deep belief that the relationship between the two countries can bring great value. This is all the more important as Singapore prepares for the upcoming general election, an important event for the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and all Singaporeans. Professor Vu Minh Khuong commented that this shows that relations with Vietnam have become a strategic priority for Singapore in 2025 and in the future.

Professor Vu Minh Khuong highly appreciated the Vietnam-Singapore relationship in the general context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and current fluctuations in the world. He emphasized the importance of strengthening resilience to global fluctuations. The two countries need to pay attention to regular consultations and solve practical issues such as improving labor productivity, competitiveness, digital economic connectivity, green economy, logistics and maritime, etc. According to Professor Vu Minh Khuong, he also expects Vietnam and Singapore to become bright spots not only in Southeast Asia but also globally.

Sharing with VNA reporters in Singapore, Professor Bilveer Singh - Deputy Head of the Faculty of Political Science at the National University of Singapore - commented that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's visit to Vietnam clearly demonstrated the goodwill to promote bilateral relations from the perspective of Singapore's leaders, typical representatives of the country's new generation of leaders.

Professor Singh said that the frequent exchange of high-level visits between the two countries helps to enhance comprehensive understanding of each other, especially the priorities of each side. In addition, the visit also affirms the fine tradition in the Vietnam - Singapore relationship: that is, maintaining close ties and working together to develop increasingly substantive and effective bilateral relations.

Do Van - Tat Dat - Ngoc Khuong (Vietnam News Agency)

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/chinh-tri/ky-vong-lon-cho-moi-quan-he-viet-nam-singapore-20250323135726603.htm