SGGPO 08/28/2023 19:02

Based on the substantial expansion of cooperation between the two countries in recent years, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong agreed to consider the possibility of upgrading bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the coming time.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Photo: QUANG PHUC

On August 28, right after the official welcoming ceremony for the Singaporean Prime Minister at the Government headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The two sides were pleased to see that the bilateral relationship continues to develop rapidly, never as good and comprehensive as it is now. Important cooperation agreements, including the results achieved during the visit to Singapore in February, have been actively implemented. Notably, in the first 8 months of the year, Singapore became the country investing the most in Vietnam with a total newly registered capital of more than 3.6 billion USD.

Based on the substantial expansion of cooperation between the two countries in recent years, the two leaders agreed to consider the possibility of studying upgrading the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the coming time. The two Prime Ministers also emphasized the need to effectively implement the Green Economy - Digital Economy Partnership (established in February), highly appreciating 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.

After the talks, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of seven documents between the two countries.

* On the afternoon of August 28, at the National Assembly House, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue congratulated the Government led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for helping Singapore recover very quickly and continue to develop strongly after the Covid-19 pandemic, always maintaining a high ranking in the group of 20 most competitive economies in the world. Singapore has always been a typical example of national governance, corporate governance, a model of clean, transparent, effective and smart governance. Along with the resolute fight against corruption and negativity, the Singaporean economy has deeply integrated, while still maintaining its cultural identity and high community cohesion.

At the meeting, the two leaders emphasized the need to continue promoting deeper and more effective cooperation in economics, trade and investment; more effectively implementing the model of connecting the two economies with new contents in the Green Economic Partnership - Digital Economy, promoting new areas of cooperation such as digital connectivity, digital society, circular economy, innovation, clean energy... These are also areas in which Vietnam has demand and Singapore has strengths.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue received Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the afternoon of August 28. Photo: QUANG PHUC

Discussing parliamentary cooperation, the two leaders said that this is an effective cooperation channel, making a substantial contribution to the Vietnam - Singapore Strategic Partnership.

Affirming that economic cooperation is an important pillar in the relationship between the two countries, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that Singapore is very interested in the field of renewable energy. Although it does not have the potential for sunshine, wind and favorable conditions like Vietnam, Singapore can support and cooperate with Vietnam to develop this energy source and has had discussions with Vietnam about potential projects; hoping that the projects will soon be implemented, contributing to further deepening the relationship between the two countries. Regarding green economy, including the issue of carbon credit, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that this is a very potential area of ​​cooperation because both countries have set a target of Net Zero by 2050.