Singaporean expert: Vietnam-Singapore relations bring ASEAN together
VOV.VN -Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s upcoming visit to Singapore is of great significance as it is an opportunity for him and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to enhance relations between the two Governments and States, thereby contributing to co-operation within ASEAN and ASEAN Plus.
This is the view given by Prof. Bilveer Singh of the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of PM Chinh’s official visit to the city state from February 8 to February 10.
He stated that the way in which both sides view and understand each other, as well as moving forward together amid numerous fast-changing external challenges, is highly important for the bloc as a whole.
Assessing their strategic partnership, he highlighted the development of bilateral connections in economy, politics, diplomacy, culture, and defence, adding that the two countries’ relationship has developed into a special one.
The expert described the two countries as pillars of ASEAN over the last 10 to 15 years, saying that the development of their ties within the bloc’s represents an important step.
The countries are moving in the right direction and should therefore strive to become the cohesion of ASEAN, he went on, noting that they are the most stable nations in the region at present, meaning they have advantageous positions to push the bloc forward.
Regarding defence and security co-operation, Prof. Singh said both sides have maintained an annual defence policy dialogue, but they should further strengthen links between their naval, land, air, and civil defence forces. They also need to intensify officer exchanges as a way of helping to boost mutual understanding and military ties.
Furthermore, he also suggested that the two countries identify potential co-operation fields, with cyber security being a major area that Singapore is very strong in.
Prof. Sinh anticipates that both sides will come together to lead ASEAN on the path to sustainable development. As long as they can promote and maintain the bloc’s unity and co-operation with major powers, it will be crucial to safeguarding security in the Indo-Pacific region and the Asia-Pacific region.