(VOVworld) – During talks in Hanoi on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan praised the existing cooperative mechanism between the two sides, including the Connectivity Meeting of ministers of planning and investment, the policy dialogue of deputy defense ministers, the political consultations between deputy foreign ministers, and a capacity building program for Vietnamese law enforcement officials.

(Photo: VOV News Center)

The Vietnamese and Singaporean foreign ministers signed an agreement on a study program for high ranking officials of the Communist Party of Vietnam for the 2017-2019 period.

During the talks, both leaders described economic cooperation as a bright spot in their relationship and agreed to full tap the opportunities presented by free trade agreements. They said security-defense ties are developing in such areas as the fight against terrorism, cyber and maritime security, and submarine rescue. Both sides agreed to continue working closely at regional and international forums, including ASEAN and the UN.