Vietnam, Singapore agree to implement defence cooperation fruitfully
Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang and his Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen agreed to effectively implement the freshly signed agreement on defence cooperation during their meeting in the city state on February 25.
Defence Ministers Phan Van Giang (L) and Ng Eng Hen at their meeting in Singapore on February 25 (Photo: VNA)
Singapore (VNA) – Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang andhis Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen agreed to effectively implement thefreshly signed agreement on defence cooperation during their meeting in thecity state on February 25.
MinisterGiang, who is accompanying President Nguyen Xuan Phuc during a State visit to Singaporefrom February 24 to 26, said amid the complex and unpredictable developmentsin the international and regional situation, the countries’ strategicpartnership has still been flourishing, with the increasingly enhanced politicaltrust and cooperation in economy - trade, culture, education - training, anddefence - security.
Despitethe complicated COVID-19 pandemic, the two sides have taken proactive andflexible moves to carry out cooperation activities; maintain strategic dialogue,consultation, information exchange, and training mechanisms; and support eachother at the events held by their defence ministries, according to theVietnamese minister.
He alsothanked the Singaporean Ministry of Defence and Minister Ng Eng Hen for backingVietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020.
For hispart, the Singaporean minister spoke highly of the Vietnamese delegation’svisit, especially the signing of the agreement on bilateral defence cooperationthe same day, and acknowledged Vietnam’s support for his country’s initiativesin ASEAN.
Bothsides agreed on the cooperation orientations for the time ahead, with a focuson promoting coordination to carry out the signed agreement in an effectivemanner and enhancing ties between the militaries’ arms and services in aneffective manner that matches each side’s potential and demand.
MinisterNg Eng Hen expressed his belief that on the basis of the defence cooperation deal,both sides will implement cooperation in multiple fields more practically.
At themeeting, the two officials exchanged views on some international and regionalissues of common concern, including the maintenance of ASEAN’s cooperationmechanisms and centrality. They agreed to maintain the bloc’s stance onregional security issues, including the peaceful settlement of sea-related disputessuch as those in the East Sea on the basis of international law, including the1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to promotethe building of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
Visitingthe Changi Naval Base later the same day, Minister Giang recognised the outcomesof cooperation between the two countries’ naval forces as seen in information sharing,consultation, and exchange activities, expressing his hope for the continuedfruitful ties in the time to come./.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s State visit to Singapore from February 24-26 is of great significance, as it is the first by a head of state to Singapore since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and also the first high-level delegation exchange between the two countries since April 2018 when Phuc visited Singapore as the Prime Minister of Vietnam.
Vietnam is anticipating a great chance to further promote its trade with Singapore, which has yet to be on par with the potential of both nations, as President Nguyen Xuan Phuc is scheduled to pay a State visit to the city-state from February 24-26.
Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong held talks on February 25, agreeing to bolster cooperation in all fields.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Defence Ministers Phan Van Giang (L) and Ng Eng Hen at their meeting in Singapore on February 25 (Photo: VNA) 
