Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong agreed to study the possibility of upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two leaders then witnessed the signing of seven important cooperation documents.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wave to the press before entering the talks - Photo: NGUYEN KHANH
On August 28, after an important meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong discussed bilateral cooperation in recent times and major measures to develop relations in the coming time.
Research to upgrade to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Based on the substantial expansion of cooperation between the two countries in recent years, the two leaders agreed to consider the possibility of upgrading bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the coming time.
In particular, the two sides agreed to hold an annual meeting between the two countries' Prime Ministers to discuss bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concern. Vietnam and Singapore agreed to effectively implement high-level agreements and cooperation mechanisms between the two countries.
The two Prime Ministers emphasized the need to effectively implement the Green Economy - Digital Economy Partnership (established in February 2023).
The two leaders appreciated the completion of the upgrading of the Vietnam-Singapore Economic Connectivity Framework Agreement, contributing to expanding and deepening economic connectivity into new areas such as clean energy and energy transition, and innovation.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that Singapore facilitate the increase of imports of Vietnamese goods; develop and convert traditional VSIP zones into smart, green, low-carbon industrial zones, and move towards developing an industrial-urban ecosystem.
The Prime Minister also suggested that Singapore expand investment in key and priority sectors of Vietnam, and support Vietnam in developing supporting industries for manufacturing sectors such as textiles, wood processing, shipbuilding, industrial infrastructure development, chemicals, petrochemicals, liquefied natural gas, etc.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of defense and security through promoting the signing and effective implementation of relevant cooperation agreements.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed expanding cultural cooperation between the two countries to keep up with or be equivalent to economic cooperation - Photo: NGUYEN KHANH
Digital transformation cooperation, data connection
The two leaders welcomed the two countries' discussions on cooperation in the field of digital transformation and cooperation in building a national data center.
Regarding this content, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that Singapore help Vietnam build and operate a large database center to improve efficiency in the fight against crime, especially high-tech crime.
The Prime Minister also proposed to soon promote the connection of Vietnam's system with the electronic identification and authentication system in Singapore to create more favorable conditions for citizens of the two countries in the process of traveling, living and working.
The two Prime Ministers agreed to continue promoting cooperation in the fields of finance and banking, implementing tourism stimulus programs, opening new air routes, and expanding connections between cruise and cruise ship destinations between the two countries.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks at the meeting - Photo: NGUYEN KHANH
On the afternoon of August 28, in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and leaders of several ministries and sectors, the two countries signed and exchanged seven cooperation documents. Among them was a cooperation agreement between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the two Ministries of Education.
Notably, the two sides also signed a Letter of Intent on amending the Framework Agreement on Connecting the Two Economies of Vietnam and Singapore (signed in 2005, effective in 2006), and the Vietnam - Singapore Innovation Talent Exchange Program.
Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan also signed and exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding on promoting sustainable infrastructure development in Ho Chi Minh City between Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and Asian Infrastructure Agency (Singapore).
Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung (right) exchanged documents with Singapore's Minister of Manpower and Second Minister of Trade and Industry Tan See Leng on amending the Framework Agreement connecting the two economies - Photo: NGUYEN KHANH
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan exchanged cooperation agreements between the two foreign ministries - Photo: NGUYEN KHANH
Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan (right) and CEO of Singapore's Asian Infrastructure Agency Lavan Thiru signed a Memorandum of Understanding on promoting sustainable infrastructure development in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: NGUYEN KHANH
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid an official visit to Vietnam from August 27 to 29, at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. This is his fifth visit to Vietnam as Singaporean Prime Minister.
This afternoon, August 28, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue will receive Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
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