Singapore Parliament Speaker Concludes Official Visit to Vietnam

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin in Hanoi on May 18. Source: Singapore's Parliament Secretariat

Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and his spouse wrapped up the official visit to Vietnam on a high note on May 20, VNA reported Friday.

During his trip from May 18-20, Tan held talks with National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, paid courtesy calls to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and met Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (right) and Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin sign the MoU on cooperation between the two legislatures. Source: Singapore's Parliament Secretariat

The meetings saw both sides highlighting the significance of the visit, saying it helps deepen the bilateral relations, particularly when the two nations are about to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th year of their Strategic Partnership in 2023.

The two countries have boasted regular high-level delegation exchanges and various people-to-people exchange activities to strengthen solidarity. They are also enjoying a growing economic linkage.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) presents a gift to Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin. Photo: VNA

Vietnamese leaders said the presence of Speaker Tan at the ongoing SEA Games 31 in Vietnam provides a great source of encouragement for the Singaporean sports delegation, contributing to the success of the regional sports event.

Against the backdrop of the regional and global uncertainties in geopolitics and economy, bringing both challenges and opportunities, the two countries agreed to further enhance their connectivity and cooperation and effectively make the most of the two legislatures’ ties, thereby accelerating the strategic partnership in seven key areas.

They agreed that the cooperation agreement signed between the two parliaments during Tan’s visit will give a push to their bilateral ties, especially in experience sharing in lawmaking and developing a digital economy and digital society.

It is also expected to enable them to bolster coordination at multilateral forums, such as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF); and support each other’s stance on both regional and global issues of common concern.

PM Pham Minh Chinh (L) meets with Speaker of Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin in Hanoi on May 20. Photo: VGP

Leaders of the two sides also thanked each other for mutual aid at the time of Covid-19.

Given that Vietnam and Singapore are seeing thriving economic ties, reflected by increasing investment flows from Singapore into Vietnam over the last two years in spite of the pandemic, Tan said this trend is likely to persist and Singaporean investors’ confidence is on a rise because of Vietnam’s potential and opportunities.

Both sides reiterated that there is plenty of room for the two countries to step up comprehensive cooperation.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (right) hosts a reception for Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin in Hanoi. Photo: VNA

They also exchanged views on the current regional and global situation and several issues of mutual interest, emphasising ASEAN's consistent principal stance on the East Sea issue, the settlement of disputes via peaceful measures, and the importance of ensuring peace, security and freedom of navigation on the sea.

Speaker Tan and his delegation also had a meeting with the Vietnam National Assembly Secretary General Bui Van Cuong, who is also the Chairman of the Vietnam-ASEAN Parliamentary Friendship Group. They exchanged views and ideas on strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the region’s members of parliament.

On the sideline, the Singapore's delegation visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of President Ho Chi Minh and paid tribute to the late president.

Speaker Tan also toured President Ho’s Stilt House and learnt about his life and contributions to the nationalist movement.

The Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament and his entourage on May 20 visited Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), Chu Van An High School which is twinned with Singapore's National Junior College in Hanoi.

Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin laid a wreath at the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum a day before the the 132nd anniversary of his birth (May 19).

A wefie with students of Chu Van An High School, partner school under the Singapore-Vietnam School Twinning Programme. Source: Singapore's Parliament Secretariat

Vietnam and Singapore set up their diplomatic ties in August 1973.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic’s impacts, bilateral trade has still been on the rise, and Singapore is the largest ASEAN investor in Vietnam with 2,866 valid projects worth USD 67.56 billion.

Vietnam News Today (May 19): SEA Games 31: U23 Vietnam Play U23 Thailand in Final Vietnam News Today (May 19): Covid-19: Vietnam reports 1,716 new cases on May 19; SEA Games 31: U23 Vietnam play U23 Thailand in final; Art ...

Sea Games 31 Updates (May 19): Vietnam Secures 276 Medals, Singaporean Kayaker Repeats Miracle Vietnam ranks first with 276 medals in all sports, followed by Thailand, which has secured 192 ones.

Vietnam News Today (May 19): RCEP Strengthens Vietnam’s Trade Position Vietnam News Today (May 19): Over 1,830 new Covid-19 cases confirmed on May 18; Vietnam, Singapore agree to further advance parliamentary relations; RCEP strengthens Vietnam’s ...