Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan is in Vietnam from 25 to 27 October 2016 for an introductory visit.
In Hanoi, Minister Balakrishnan called on Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, where they reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations between Singapore and Vietnam. They noted the regular high-level political exchanges between the two countries, underpinned by strong economic links, growing tourism flows and warm people-to-people relations. Prime Minister Phuc looked forward to building on this strong foundation, and highlighted Vietnam's commitment to continue providing a conducive environment for Singapore investors. Minister Balakrishnan and Prime Minister Phuc also welcomed continued exchanges between the two countries at the government, parliamentary, and people-to-people levels.
Minister Balakrishnan also called on President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan. They underscored the growing friendship between VFF and the People's Association (PA). They also exchanged ideas on harnessing new technologies to improve government services and engage our peoples.
Minister Balakrishnan met and was hosted to lunch by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh today. The Ministers discussed ways to further expand the growing ties across areas of the Strategic Partnership, including trade and investment, aviation, education and training, security, and defence. They also exchanged views on regional developments and stressed the importance of ASEAN centrality and unity. After the meeting, the two Ministers signed the renewed Agreement on the Study Visit Programme and Executive Education Programme for Senior Communist Party of Vietnam Officials from 2017 to 2019.
Yesterday, Minister Balakrishnan also met with Chairman of the CPV Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan. Minister Balakrishnan and Chairman Quan discussed common challenges faced by Singapore and Vietnam. Minister Balakrishnan also attended a reception for Singaporeans in Hanoi.
Minister Balakrishnan will visit Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
26 OCTOBER 2016
