At a reception for Singaporean Ambassador Ng Teck Hean, President Sang reaffirmed Vietnam’s policy of respecting ties with the regional neighbour.

He congratulated Singapore on its recent achievements, especially in economics, which has quickly modernised the country with particularly developed science and technology industries.

Mr Sang welcomed both countries’ agreement in principle to lift bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership and praised the two foreign ministries’ efforts in negotiating the outcome.

The State leader expressed hope that as a leading investor in Vietnam, Singapore will continue to increase investment in Vietnam’s localities, including Phu Quoc district in Kien Giang province. He also hailed Singapore’s stance on the East Sea issues and proposed both nations work closely together in international and regional forums.

President Sang took the opportunity to convey his best regards to his Singaporean counterpart Tony Tan and spoke highly of his recent visit to Vietnam.

For his part, Ambassador Ng Teck Hean said Singaporean businesses are confident and willing to continue investing in Vietnam, especially in Phu Quoc district.

At separate receptions for ambassadors from Gabonese Republic, Sierra Leone, Micronesia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, President Sang reiterated Vietnam’s policy of strengthening bilateral ties with these countries.

He hopes that the new ambassadors will do their best to promote cooperation for mutual benefit and for the sake of peace, stability and development in the world.