Determining the future trajectory for Vietnam-Singapore relations

Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam - Photo: VGP/Quang Thuong

On March 24, Ambassador Jaya Ratnam gave an interview to the press about the contents related to the visit and the cooperation between the two countries before the visit.

New turning point in bilateral relations

Could you please tell us the significance of this visit to the Vietnam-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?

Ambassador Jaya Ratnam : Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will make his first official visit as Prime Minister to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The visit took place less than two weeks after the official visit of General Secretary To Lam and his wife to the Lion Island (March 9-13). The two leaders agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The bilateral relationship between the two countries is at its strongest stage in history with visits at the highest level and the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the highest level. However, we are not satisfied and are determined to further promote the bilateral relationship.

Therefore, the upcoming "return" visit by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, right after the visit by General Secretary To Lam, reflects the importance that the two countries' leaders attach to the relationship and the urgency to build strong momentum, bringing the bilateral relationship into a new era.

The visit marks a new milestone in bilateral relations. For both Singapore and Vietnam, this year, the two countries are celebrating many important events. Specifically, Singapore celebrates the 60th anniversary of its National Day and the 10th anniversary of the passing of the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who helped transform the island nation into a dragon. Our excellent relationship, underpinned by political trust, stems from the foundation laid by the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet during Vietnam’s economic opening. The legacy of our predecessors continues to guide our two countries in the present and future. Meanwhile, Vietnam celebrates the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 80th anniversary of National Day, the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 30th anniversary of its accession to ASEAN – important milestones that have paved the way for Vietnam’s remarkable development over the past decades.

Vietnam is entering the "Era of Rising," with its economy taking off strongly thanks to industrialization, digital transformation, green growth, and deeper integration into the region and the world.

Internationally, the open, rules-based multilateral system that Singapore and Vietnam, and indeed all ASEAN countries, depend on for peace and prosperity is under severe pressure. Our two countries share similar strategic outlooks, strong advocates of multilateralism and international law, and support for free trade. Both of our countries have a vested interest in the continued cohesion and success of Southeast Asia. We are working together to maintain ASEAN centrality and enhance regional economic integration.

Bringing the two economies closer together

Could you please tell us the significance of upgrading the relationship to the highest level - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Singapore?

Ambassador Jaya Ratnam : Vietnam is Singapore's first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN and one of Singapore's three Comprehensive Strategic Partners.

Vietnam and Singapore are natural partners, with complementary competitive advantages and can support each other in areas where each side is limited. Therefore, upgrading the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is not only symbolic but also reflects the high expectations of both countries for this relationship. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership creates a solid strategic framework for the Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments on the establishment of the Digital Economy-Green Economy Partnership between Vietnam and Singapore in 2023. Together, we are building a specific agenda, especially to enhance cooperation in emerging areas with great potential.

I would like to highlight two new bilateral initiatives. Firstly, the Vietnam-Singapore Energy Partnership (VSEP), a major cooperation initiative between the two countries to promote sustainable energy development, including renewable energy, power trade and green transition. The project serves as a foundation for the future ASEAN Power Grid (APG), contributing to positioning Vietnam as a regional hub for sustainable green economy. The approval of the Joint Report on Vietnam-Singapore Offshore Wind Power Commercial Cooperation during the General Secretary’s visit underscores the shared commitment of both countries to promote this important bilateral project. This potential project is similar to the model of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP), a symbol of successful economic cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore, contributing to further strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Second, cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore on carbon credits aims to support both countries in achieving their respective climate commitments, while opening up green investment opportunities in Vietnam. Through the development and trading of carbon credits, the two countries can promote renewable energy projects, protect the environment and move towards sustainable development, in line with the global green economic trend. Singapore is very interested and ready to buy carbon credits from Vietnam, opening up opportunities to promote green investment, create jobs and support sustainable development in Vietnam. The two countries are building a Cooperation Agreement on Carbon Credit Exchange between Vietnam and Singapore, with the goal of this being the first agreement between ASEAN countries, contributing to shaping the regional carbon credit market and supporting both sides in achieving their climate commitments.

Therefore, upgrading the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership not only brings our countries and economies closer together but also serves bilateral, regional and international interests.

Could you please tell us more about Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's upcoming agenda in Vietnam?

Ambassador Jaya Ratnam : Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is expected to have a busy schedule, focusing on substantive discussions with Vietnam's top leaders, following his discussions with General Secretary To Lam as well as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The itinerary reflects the important role of cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam in strengthening the bilateral relationship, helping the two countries face global challenges together, build resilience and develop more sustainably.

Specifically, in Hanoi, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will lead a high-level Singaporean delegation to pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and the heroic martyrs, hold talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on ways to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and attend events related to VSIPs, particularly examining how VSIPs can position and support Vietnam towards a new era.

Thank you very much Ambassador!

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/xac-dinh-quy-dao-tuong-lai-cho-quan-he-viet-nam-singapore-102250324194521798.htm