Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh talks on the phone with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

During the talks at the request by the Singaporean side, the Singaporean Minister affirmed his country’s recognition of great importance to the strategic partnership with Vietnam and explained the context of the remarks, saying they are not meant to hurt Vietnam and Cambodia.

The remarks have caused a negative response, especially in the context that the Cambodian people recently marked the 40th anniversary of their escape from the Pol Pot genocidal regime and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) issued a verdict on the crime against humanity committed by the Khmer Rouge, making fair restitution to the victims and their families, which was welcomed by the international community and the United Nations, Minh said.

The Deputy PM affirmed that the justice and the great contributions and sacrifices by the Vietnamese volunteer troops, who were described by the Cambodian as “Buddha’s army”, helped Cambodia get out of genocide, contributed to peace, stability and development of the region. Minh also asked Singapore to take suitable adjustment.

Both sides consented agreed to continue their closer cooperation in order to foster and develop the Vietnam – Singapore ties as well as reinforce the solidarity and unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).