At the welcome ceremony for Singaporean President Halimah Yacob. Photo: Vietnam's Presidential Office

Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc held talks with his Singaporean counterpart Halimah Yacob, after hosting a welcome ceremony for the latter at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on October 17, VietnamPlus reported.

Both leaders noted with pleasure strong and dynamic development steps in bilateral relations, especially in economic ties.

The two sides agreed to continue increasing the exchange of high-level delegations and effectively maintain important cooperation mechanisms via party, state, government, and parliament channels and people-to-people exchanges.

They also consented to jointly organise celebrations for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership in 2023; expand the economic cooperation pillar; and further promote collaboration in national defence and security.

President Phuc proposed Singapore create favourable conditions for Vietnamese goods such as agro-aquatic products, garments, and processed foodstuff, to penetrate the Singaporean market, and help Vietnam participate deeper in global supply chains.

President Jacob said she supported the Vietnamese leader’s proposals during his state visit to Singapore in February 2022, under which the two countries will effectively implement seven areas of the Vietnam - Singapore Economic Connectivity Agreement and expand cooperation in innovation, digital economy and transformation along with developing the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks into green and high-tech parks.

At the talks between Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Singaporean counterpart Halimah Yacob. Photo: Vietnam's Presidential Office

The two leaders highlighted a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement signed during the Singaporean President’s ongoing visit, thereby sending a strong message about both nations’ commitments to sustainable, green economic development to the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27). On this occasion, the two sides agreed to study the building of Vietnam-Singapore partnership in digital economy and green economy in the coming time.

President Phuc suggested Singapore continue its assistance to Vietnam in national development; improving the quality of human resources, especially high-ranking officials and mangers; expanding tech incubators in Vietnam, and developing the national innovative startup support centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. He also noted his hope that Singapore will further support the Vietnamese community in the city-state.

Regarding regional and international issues, the two leaders reiterated ASEAN’s consistent stance on the South China Sea (Bien Dong Sea) and the significance of maintaining peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and peacefully addressing disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

After the talks, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of some cooperation documents.

A view of the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park No.1 in Binh Duong. Photo: VNA

During her trip to Vietnam, the Singaporean President met with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who suggested the two countries effectively promote the great potential of cooperation by increasing the exchange of visits and meetings at all levels and through all party, government, parliament, and people channels, according to Nhan dan (Peoppe) newspaper.

She also had meetings with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue./.

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