Vietnam and Singapore Enhance Strategic Cooperation

Post by : Shakul

On May 29, Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam engaged in significant discussions with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in Singapore. This meeting emphasized the two nations' dedication to invigorating their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while expanding collaboration across vital sectors.

The engagement commenced following a formal state welcome, extended with utmost honor towards President To Lam, who was accompanied by his wife and a delegation. President Tharman congratulated him on his recent election by Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly.

During their dialogue, President Tharman commended Vietnam’s outstanding economic progress and international prominence. He expressed his belief that under President To Lam’s guidance, Vietnam would persist on its dynamic path, augmenting its influence in both regional and global matters. He also emphasized To Lam’s involvement in the Shangri-La Dialogue, which is convening regional leaders to tackle significant security and economic issues.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, President To Lam underscored the significance of the Vietnam-Singapore partnership. He characterized their collaboration as a hallmark of successful regional cooperation, reaffirming Vietnam's commitment to enhancing bilateral ties.

The leaders were pleased with the progress made since the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025 and acknowledged notable advancements in sectors such as political confidence, trade, digital technology, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.

Focused discussions centered on harnessing new economic growth avenues through innovation and advanced industries. Both parties agreed to boost investment flows, enhance business connectivity, and foster collaboration in key sectors like artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

Both President Tharman and President To Lam acknowledged science and technology as crucial components of future joint endeavors, advocating for closer collaboration among governments, enterprises, and academic institutions to ensure that innovations translate into tangible benefits for both nations.

Conversations also tackled significant regional and global issues. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN unity and the centrality of multilateralism in addressing regional concerns. They pledged closer alignment in global forums including the United Nations and APEC.

The necessity for maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international law in the South China Sea was also emphasized. They agreed on the ongoing efforts to establish an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) and highlighted the importance of peaceful dispute resolution aligned with international legal norms.

In closing, both leaders agreed to instruct ministries and agencies to actively pursue the agreements established during the visit. President To Lam extended a warm invitation to President Tharman and his wife to visit Vietnam soon, which was graciously accepted.