On the occasion of the 45^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Vietnam, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony on August 1 to celebrate this special day.

The ceremony was hosted by Huynh Cach Mang, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of HCM City.

Addressing the event, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Huynh Cach Mang highlighted the continuous growth over the past 45 years of the two countries’ relations in all fields, especially after the ties were lifted to a strategic partnership level in September 2013.

He highlighted the effective cooperation in various areas between the two countries, especially in tourism and people-to-people exchange, citing nearly 300,000 Singaporean tourists to Vietnam so far this year and more than 140 direct flights per week.

HCM City is proud to contribute to the fine relations through the active implementation of cooperative programmes with Singapore in various fields, Mang said.

According to him, economic cooperation has been a bright spot in HCM City’s ties with Singapore which is the largest investor and second biggest trade partner of the city. Cooperative programmes in education, and socio-culture have been carried out effectively, thus helping nurture the bilateral solidarity and friendship.

He affirmed that HCM City wants to further develop the relationship, particularly in trade, investment, education, culture, science and technology so as to consolidate the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership, for solidarity, friendship and interests of the two peoples and for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

Singaporean Consul General in HCM City Leow Siu Lin at the event.

For her part, Singaporean Consul General in HCM City Leow Siu Lin noted with pleasure the positive development of the Vietnam-Singapore relationship after the two countries established their bilateral diplomatic ties 45 years ago and the Strategic Partnership five years back.

She expressed her delight at Singapore’s top position among foreign investors in the city with over 1,100 projects totalling USD 10.5 billion, mainly in real estate and infrastructure.

The country wants to expand its collaboration with the largest economic hub of Vietnam to new areas such as smart technology, she said, adding that its experienced and competent businesses can cooperate with the city in developing and applying smart technologies in urban planning.

She took the occasion to thank municipal authorities and offices for their support and collaboration, especially through the organisation of activities to mark the 45^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties such as a painting contest for students, and a Singapore food festival.

She showed her belief that the relations between Singapore and HCM City will continued its progress towards a new height.

The varied performances showcased the creative talent of the Vietnamese singers, dancers and musicians and included a rendition of “Geylang Si Paku Geylang”./.

VNF