Vietnam, Singapore hold 13th political consultation

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi – Vietnam and Singapore on December 15 discussed specific measures to enhance their bilateral ties, including the enhancement of political and diplomatic links by increasing visits and meetings at all levels and vial all channels and mechanisms of bilateral cooperation.

While co-chairing the online 13th Vietnam-Singapore political consultation, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung and Permanent Secretary of the Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chee Wee Kiong shared the view that the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership has developed intensively, extensively and practically, even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They said in 2021, ASEAN needs to maintain its solidarity and centrality, as well as the momentum of the ASEAN Community building, realise agreed plans and initiatives, and cooperate in the pandemic combat and development recovery.

The two sides committed to further joining hands and supporting each other at regional and international forums and organisations such as the United Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

They will also work together to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and push ahead with the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.

Dung suggested the two sides step up collaboration in the areas of their potential and strength, and called on Singapore to increase its investments in such areas as infrastructure development, logistics, IT and agriculture, particularly in farm produce marketing and trade, and high-tech agriculture.

He spoke highly of Singapore’s contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea and promoting the rules-based order in the region, proving its active role and responsibility for regional peace and security.

For his part, Chee suggested the two countries soon resume flights and complete the negotiations on priority travel regulations, saying Singapore stands ready to facilitate the travelling of Vietnamese citizens.

He lauded Vietnam’s efforts and initiatives as ASEAN Chair in 2020 which has witnessed a range of difficulties.

The two officials also discussed regional and international issues of shared concern.

Regarding the complex developments in the East Sea, both officials stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, and addressing disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They also backed the strict and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and negotiations between ASEAN and China to reach a result-oriented and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law.