Vietnam, Singapore affirm importance of peace in East Sea

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Singaporean counterpart  Lee Hsien Loong held talks on March 23 right after a welcome ceremony in Hanoi. 

Both government leaders concurred to consolidate strategic trust, promote cooperation in integration and further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

They agreed to develop trustful political ties through the regular exchange of high-level delegations and people-to-people contacts, which they described as an important foundation for further partnership in multiple fields.

PM Lee told Phuc that his nation will continue helping Vietnam in personnel training, including Party officials, via technical collaboration under the Singapore Cooperation Programme.

Both sides said the vigorous growth of bilateral economic, trade and investment is a firm pillar for the strategic partnership of the two countries, highlighting the need to create a favourable business environment and promote connectivity among businesses.

The Singaporean government leader also pledged to assist Vietnamese businesses in joining the global market and supply chains, while considering the setting up of high technology industrial parks. Singapore will also serve as a bridge connecting Vietnam with other countries in Southeast Asia, he said.

He shared his host’s view on the potential of cooperation between the two sides in finance and transport, affirming that his country will continue to help Vietnam improve capacity in financial service by encouraging Singaporean business to become involved in the field in Vietnam.

The two government leaders underlined the need to actualise the framework agreement on connectivity between the two economies, the two countries should seek new and creative directions for cooperation to keep pace with the ongoing technology revolution.

Singapore will help Vietnam develop smart cities, facilitate startup firms, especially in science-technology, capital access and management capacity, and encourage linkages with some major cities of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and Danang.

Both leaders shared common perspectives on the value of peace, stability, security, safety and prosperous development in the region, promising to further bolster the sound security-defence between the two countries via delegation exchanges, consultation mechanisms and bilateral and multilateral cooperation activities.

They expressed concern about rising terrorism and piracy problems in the region, concurring to increase the sharing of information and experience in anti-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security and combating trans-national crimes.

The Singaporean PM reiterated his country's willingness to help Vietnam in improving capacity for law enforcement forces as well as crime prevention and control.

The two leaders discussed measures to further strengthen bilateral partnership in other fields such as environment, tourism, science-technology, information-communications, and justice.

They reach a high consensus on the need to step up negotiations for a labour cooperation deal to create a legal framework in the field.

Singapore will provide more scholarships for Vietnamese young people within the framework of bilateral and ASEAN cooperation, adding that mutual understanding between the two peoples is a firm foundation for closer and stronger ties. 

Both cabinet leaders also compared notes on regional and international issues of mutual concern. They committed to accelerate trade liberalization and participate in regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).

They said the two sides will continue working hand in hand with other countries in seeking solutions for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

PM Lee vowed to support Vietnam in hosting the APEC Year 2017.

The two government leaders agreed to maintain bilateral consultations and cooperation with other ASEAN countries to build an ASEAN of solidarity and unity, dynamism and innovation, promoting the association’s central role in coping with strategic regional issues, especially East Sea matters.

They underlined the importance of peace, stability and maritime and aviation security and safety in the East Sea, as well as the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, with respect for diplomatic and legal processes, without using or threatening to use force.

They also affirmed the significance of the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as the early building of a quality Code of Conduct framework and the signing of the deal soon.

PM Phuc appreciated the role of Singapore as coordinator of ASEAN-China relations, stating that Vietnam will continue to affiliate with Singapore in boosting the ties.

Following the talks, Phuc and Lee witnessed the signing ceremony of several cooperation documents, including the hand-over of approval letter of State Bank of Vietnam to Singapore’s United Overseas Bank on the setting up of a branch in Vietnam, and the signing of MoUs between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Sembcorp Group, between Da Nang and Sembcorp joint venture in developing a software park in Da Nang, and another on the building of a Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park in Quang Tri, among others.

PM Lee and his spouse is scheduled also attend a banquet hosted by PM Phuc and his wife on the evening of March 23.