Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh receives Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan

At a reception for Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Hanoi on Tuesday, Deputy PM Minh praised bilateral cooperation in the digital economy saying it will create momentum for economic recovery and development in the new normal.

He said the two sides should devise measures for effectively carrying the Vietnam-Singapore economic connectivity agreement, including organising the 15th connectivity ministerial meeting early, promoting the effective and balanced development of trade, and developing the existing Vietnam-Singapore industrial parks (VSIPs) into smart, high-tech, innovative, and environmentally friendly places.

Mr. Minh suggested Singapore continue cooperation programs in the Mekong sub-region, coordinate viewpoints on regional and international issues of shared concern, including the East Sea issue, and uphold the solidarity and centrality of ASEAN.

Minister Balakrishnan pledged coordination with the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to step up all-level mutual visits and effectively implement directions issued by the countries’ leaders, thereby helping to develop the strategic partnership extensively and substantively on the basis of mutual political trust and common benefits.