Vietnam wishes for closer cooperation from Singapore in COVID-19 fight

During a reception held for newly-appointed Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam on May 26, the Deputy PM detailed the fruitful development of bilateral relations across a range of fields to the delegation, all of which has been achieved despite facing difficulties caused by the health crisis.

Both sides have been able to effectively maintain all-level bilateral exchanges, especially in terms of phone calls between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong in April. During these discussions, ways in which to boost mutual ties moving forward were spoken about, Deputy PM Minh said.

He also underlined the necessity of both sides co-ordinate to review and ramp up co-operation within the framework of the Vietnam-Singapore Economic Connectivity Agreement, whilst also expanding efforts in the spheres of digital economy, smart cities, infrastructure development, and information technology.

The Deputy PM therefore expressed his belief that during his tenure, the Ambassador will make positive contributions to further promoting the joint strategic partnership, along with effectively promoting bilateral co-operation mechanisms.

He stated his hope that the 15th Vietnam-Singapore Connectivity Ministerial Meeting and the 14th political consultation will be organised this year, with both sides striving to achieve closer co-ordination at multilateral forums, especially at ASEAN and the UN.

Deputy PM Minh offered his thanks to the Singaporean side for backing Vietnam as the ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
In return, Ambassador Ratnam affirmed that he will do his utmost to continue to promote the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership.