Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan's engagements in Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam on 21 June 2021

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan is visiting Hanoi, Vietnam from 20 to 23 June 2021. This is the first visit to Vietnam by a Singapore Minister since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Minister Balakrishnan called on President Nguyen Xuan Phuc. President Phuc emphasised the large reservoir of mutual trust between Singapore and Vietnam, and extensive record of successful collaboration. They looked forward to more exchanges at government, parliamentary and people-to-people levels.

Minister Balakrishnan also called on Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who welcomed the strengthening of business linkages and partnerships, and underscored Vietnam’s commitment to continue providing a conducive environment for Singapore investors. They renewed their commitment to advancing the Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Partnership through high-level exchanges, economic cooperation, and capacity-building. Prime Minister Chinh and Minister Balakrishnan agreed that officials should follow up expeditiously to resume connectivity and explore cooperation in innovation and the digital economy. They had a wide-ranging exchange on regional cooperation and international issues. They agreed on the importance to uphold the rules-based international order amid an increasingly complex strategic environment, and the urgent need to work closely towards a sustainable and resilient recovery from COVID-19.

Minister Balakrishnan met Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, who also hosted him to lunch today. The Ministers reaffirmed the excellent cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam, both bilaterally and at ASEAN, as well as the importance of strengthening bilateral ties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They welcomed the substantive cooperation across a range of sectors, including trade and investment, education, human resource development, defence and security, and agreed to expand cooperation in new growth areas such as digital economy, cybersecurity, clean energy, sustainable development, and smart cities. They agreed to expedite the establishment of joint working groups to develop bilateral agreements on digital economy, and the mutual recognition of health certificates to facilitate the safe resumption of travel. They also exchanged views on international and regional developments, and stressed the importance of ASEAN Centrality and unity to promote peace and stability in the region.

The Ministers signed the renewed Agreement on the Study Visit Programme and Executive Education Programme for Senior Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Officials from 2021 to 2023. This Agreement will facilitate continued exchanges between Singapore and Vietnam through the participation of senior CPV officials in study visits and executive education programmes in Singapore on topics such as public administration, urban planning, transport management, and international issues. This Agreement builds on earlier Agreements signed in 2010, 2012 and 2016.

Minister Balakrishnan also met President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien. They underscored the friendship between VFF and the People’s Association (PA), and discussed ways to strengthen people-to-people engagement.

Minister Balakrishnan expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and looked forward to welcoming President Phuc, Prime Minister Chinh, Foreign Minister Son and other Vietnamese leaders to visit Singapore at a mutually convenient time.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

21 JUNE 2021

Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s call on Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc