DPM Teo Chee Hean on Official Visit to Hanoi, Vietnam (Mar 2019)

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean is in Hanoi, Vietnam on an Official Visit. On 22 March 2019, DPM Teo called on Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. They reaffirmed the warm and excellent relations between Singapore and Vietnam, and the substantial progress in bilateral cooperation since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2013. They emphasised the importance of upholding ASEAN centrality and unity, and DPM Teo pledged Singapore’s support for Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020. They discussed the importance of deepening regional economic integration through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). DPM Teo congratulated PM Phuc on Vietnam’s successful hosting of the 2^nd US-DPRK Summit.

DPM Teo also met Vietnam Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, who later hosted dinner. They agreed to step up cooperation in technology and innovation, food and agriculture trade, air and maritime connectivity, as well as the facilitation of trade and investment. DPM Binh welcomed more Singapore investments in areas such as renewable energy and urban solutions, and assured DPM Teo that Vietnam would continue to provide a conducive environment for foreign investors.

DPM Teo met Chairman of the Communist Party of Vietnam Commission on Information and Education Vo Van Thuong, and discussed ways to strengthen party-to-party and youth exchanges. DPM Teo was also hosted to lunch by Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hanoi Nguyen Duc Chung. They exchanged views on smart cities and sustainable urban development, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in these areas.

On 23 March, DPM Teo will launch the Vietnam-Singapore Cooperation Centre and officially open the Singapore Festival in Hanoi before departing for Hue. DPM Teo is accompanied by Members of Parliament Dr Intan Azura Mohktar, Mr Patrick Tay, and Mr Henry Kwek, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

SINGAPORE

23 MARCH 2019