Vietnam and Singapore Enhance Bilateral Relations

On May 29, Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam engaged in high-level discussions with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in Singapore, dedicated to reinforcing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expanding collaboration across diverse strategic domains.

The meeting commenced right after a ceremonial welcome, executed with top-level honors for state leaders. President Tharman graciously received President To Lam along with his delegation and spouse, congratulating him on his recent election as Vietnam's President by the National Assembly.

During their discussions, President Tharman lauded Vietnam's remarkable economic growth and its burgeoning international significance. He expressed optimism that under President To Lam, Vietnam would persist on its robust growth trajectory and assume a more prominent role in both regional and global arenas. He also underscored the significance of To Lam’s participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue, where vital security and economic matters are being deliberated.

In response, President To Lam conveyed his gratitude for Singapore’s warm hospitality, underlining Vietnam's commitment to nurturing its relationship with Singapore. He referred to their partnership as a benchmark of successful cooperation in Southeast Asia, asserting that this visit signifies Vietnam's resolve to elevate bilateral relations to a new pinnacle of partnership.

Both leaders acknowledged the fruitful developments since upgrading their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025, noting advancements across political trust, trade, investment, digital transitions, clean energy, cybersecurity, and scientific exchanges.

Their conversations concentrated on fostering new economic growth avenues through innovation and high-value industries. Both sides committed to facilitating increased investments, enhancing business linkages, and bolstering collaboration in critical areas such as renewable energy, AI, advanced technologies, carbon trading, and digital infrastructure.

President Tharman and President To Lam reiterated the necessity for science, technology, and innovation as vital components of their future collaboration. They advocated for expedited cooperation among governments, businesses, and research entities to ensure technological advancements translate into practical applications benefitting both nations.

Regional and global matters were also on the agenda during the talks. The leaders reiterated their commitment to promoting ASEAN unity, fostering multilateral efforts, and upholding ASEAN's central role in tackling regional challenges. They also promised enhanced cooperation in international platforms like the United Nations, ASEAN, and APEC.

Both leaders emphasized maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international laws in the South China Sea. They backed ongoing initiatives towards a comprehensive and effective Code of Conduct (COC), advocating for peaceful dispute resolutions based on international legal frameworks.

Concluding the meeting, both parties agreed to instruct their respective ministries and agencies to actively pursue the agreements and objectives discussed. President To Lam extended an invitation for President Tharman and his spouse to visit Vietnam soon, which was graciously accepted.