MFA Press Statement: Visit of the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Nguyen Tan Dung, 31 May to 1 June 2013

Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam His Excellency Nguyen Tan Dung called on and was hosted to lunch by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana this afternoon. During their discussions, both Prime Ministers lauded the strong and multi-faceted bilateral relationship, which will be elevated to a Strategic Partnership in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations this year. They noted the good progress on the Strategic Partnership Agreement negotiations, and looked forward to the signing of the Agreement during Prime Minister Lee’s Official Visit to Vietnam later this year. On the economic front, both Prime Ministers noted the extensive bilateral economic ties, and agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment linkages.

Both Prime Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global issues. They discussed recent developments in Southeast Asia and reaffirmed their commitment to work closely to promote ASEAN unity. On the developments in the South China Sea, they noted the importance of the early commencement of discussions on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) between ASEAN and China. Both Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. They noted that the TPP, when completed, would help to advance regional economic integration.

Following their meeting, both Prime Ministers witnessed the presentation of an approval letter from Quang Ngai provincial authorities to Sembcorp Industries for the inclusion of Sembcorp’s planned 1,200-megawatt power project in the Dung Quat Economic Zone into Vietnam’s national power development plan.

Prime Minister Dung also called on President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Istana this afternoon. During the call, President Tan and Prime Minister Dung reaffirmed the excellent bilateral ties, in particular the robust economic and people-to-people linkages. The two leaders agreed that both countries should continue to work closely on technical cooperation and promote more exchanges at all levels. President Tan and Prime Minister Dung also had a good discussion on regional issues and international developments.

Prime Minister Dung will be delivering the keynote address at the 12th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) this evening. Tomorrow, he will meet with representatives from Singapore companies with key business interests in Vietnam before departing for Hanoi.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
31 MAY 2013