Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh on September 26 hosted a reception for Singaporean Deputy PM Teo Chee Hean and his wife who are in Hanoi to pay respect to President Tran Dai Quang.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (R) meets Singaporean Deputy PM Teo Chee Hean. (Photo: VNA)

On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, Teo extended his deepest sympathy to the Government and people of Vietnam over the passing away of President Tran Dai Quang.

Teo said that he met the leader many times during bilateral visits and at international meetings, and had a lot of memories with the President’s family.

Deputy PM Binh thanked the Singaporean PM and his wife for attending the funeral of President Tran Dai Quang, saying that the activity shows special sentiments between the two nations and the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore.

Binh said that the passing away of President Tran Dai Quang is a great loss of the Party, State and people of Vietnam.

Deputy PM Teo spoke highly of the development of the bilateral strategic partnership and achievements that Vietnam has gained over the past years.

He thanked the Government of Vietnam for supporting Singapore to perform the role as ASEAN Chair 2018, and expressed his hope that Vietnam will successfully take the charge of ASEAN Chair in 2020.

The Singaporean Deputy PM noted that the country has successfully organised the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Singapore Summit which drew many officials from various countries.

He held that in the current world situation, countries should work closer together to deal with pressures from economic competition.

Vietnam is a model in expanding trade cooperation, making trade as one of the targets and motivation of the economy, he asserted, highlighting Vietnam’s determination to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as well as free trade agreement with the EU.

Deputy PM Binh showed his hope that Vietnam and Singapore will continue enhancing their strategic partnership and implementing signed agreements, especially in economy, culture, society and justice. He asked for Singapore’s support in personnel training and experience sharing in Party building.

Binh said that Vietnam will hold a F1 race in Hanoi and hopes to learn experience from Singapore.

He praised the rapid and sustainable growth of Singapore and congratulated the country on fulfilling completing its ASEAN Chair 2018 with success./.

VNF/VNA