Singapore has vowed to boost its investment in multiple fields and the development of smart cities in Vietnam, as the two countries’ leaders met in the city-state on Wednesday.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc joined talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday afternoon, as part of his official visit to Singapore from April 25 to 27.

The trip is considered a milestone in the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties and five years of their strategic partnership.

The two premiers noted that cooperation between both countries has developed stably in all aspects.

Singapore is one of the top ten trade partners and the third-biggest investor of Vietnam with 2,000 projects that are worth US$43 billion.

In order to enhance the existing ties, the leaders agreed to maintain political trust through all-level delegation exchanges, and step up affiliation in national defense and security, with attention paid to collaboration between naval forces, search and rescue units, and in defense technology. 

They also agreed to coordinate with each other in settling common security challenges such as piracy and terrorism, ensuring maritime security and safety, and cyber security. 

PM Lee pledged that Singapore will boost its investment in Vietnam in such areas as clean energy, waste treatment, water resource management, and the building of high-tech parks and smart cities.  

The country is also willing to support Vietnam in seaport construction, logistical services, and high-tech agriculture, and invest in Vietnamese technological start-ups, he said.

Regarding regional and international issues, the leaders vowed to enhance bilateral ties at international forums, especially within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the United Nations.

They affirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region along with freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Vietnam Sea, in accordance with international law including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two prime ministers approved a joint statement on the visit and witnessed the signing of several cooperation deals following their talks.

Within the framework of his trip, PM Phuc also met with Singaporean President Halimah Yacob.

After the official visit, he is scheduled to attend the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore on April 27 and 28.

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