On March 12, within the framework of an official visit to Singapore, right after a solemn welcoming ceremony at the National Assembly House, Singapore, General Secretary To Lam held talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders reviewed the outstanding achievements in cooperation between the two countries, especially in economics - trade - investment, with bilateral trade turnover reaching over 9 billion USD in 2024. Singapore is currently the second largest investment partner in Vietnam with a total accumulated investment capital exceeding 80 billion USD, in which Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) are considered a symbol of successful cooperation. The two sides also noted positive progress in defense - security cooperation, education - training, science - technology, tourism, labor and people-to-people exchanges.
Based on the great achievements over more than five decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, the two leaders agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is a historic milestone in the relationship between the two countries, opening a new chapter with a longer-term and more comprehensive vision.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong shared that this is the first comprehensive strategic partnership that Singapore has established with an ASEAN country.
The two sides agreed to propose major directions and assign relevant agencies, ministries and sectors to develop an action program to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and develop the relationship substantially and effectively, focusing on enhancing political trust through exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially at high levels; expand and deepen economic, trade and investment cooperation; promote cooperation in digital transformation, innovation, green economy, clean energy; strengthen cooperation in the fields of national defense - security, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchange.
The General Secretary suggested that Singapore expand the VSIP 2.0 network towards innovation, low carbon emissions, and enhancing cooperation in the fields of digital transformation and emerging technologies. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong wishes to promote cooperation with Vietnam in developing seaports and maritime infrastructure through digital transformation; affirmed that Singapore will continue to support Vietnam in improving the quality of human resources, especially strategic-level cadres and effectively implement the Memorandum of Understanding on the Vietnam - Singapore Innovation Talent Exchange Program, hoping to send Singaporean students to Vietnam to study, research, promote cultural and sports exchanges, and young generation exchanges to enhance understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries.
At the end of the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in the fields of wind power trade, digital transformation, prevention and combat of transnational crimes, financial innovation, etc., creating an important foundation to promote the Vietnam - Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the coming time.
