(VOVWORLD) - The Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to consider upgrading the relationship between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership at an appropriate time.
 Government leaders of Vietnam and Singapore hold talks in Hanoi on August 28, 2023. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA) |
During talks in Hanoi on Monday, PM Pham Minh Chinh and PM Lee Hsien Loong also agreed to hold an annual meeting between the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Singapore.
PM Chinh asked Singapore to help Vietnam build and operate a large database center to improve the effectiveness of its fight against crime, especially high-tech offenses, and to soon connect Vietnam’s system with the electronic identification and authentication system in Singapore.
PM Lee said that Vietnam is an important strategic partner of Singapore in the region.
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in national defense and security through the signing and implementation of relevant cooperation agreements, along with dialogue mechanisms, and coordination in multilateral mechanisms and activities.
They consented to continue coordination with other ASEAN member countries in promoting trade and investment, and maintaining the group’s stance on the East Sea issue.
The leaders emphasized the significance of navigation and aviation freedom and safety, and the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), to create a favorable environment for building an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).
Following the talks, they witnessed the signing of seven cooperation documents.
PM Lee Hsien Loong is on a 3-day official visit to Vietnam. This is his fifth Vietnam visit as PM of Singapore.