Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse held an official reception for Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his spouse at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Wednesday morning, marking PM Wong's first official visit to Vietnam. ​ 

PM Wong's two-day visit follows the recent elevation of Vietnam-Singapore relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Singapore earlier this month. ​

The official welcome ceremony was conducted with traditional honors.

PM Chinh and his spouse personally greeted PM Wong and his spouse at their vehicle.

The Singaporean leader received a bouquet from Hanoi's young representatives, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations.​

Both leaders proceeded along a red carpet, accompanied by ceremonial military music and the reception of students waving the national flags of Vietnam and Singapore. 

The national anthems of both countries were played as the leaders ascended the dais to salute their respective flags. PM Chinh then invited his Singaporean counterpart to review the guard of honor.​

Following the ceremony, the two PMs walked to the Government Office for bilateral talks aimed at furthering collaboration in various sectors.​

During his visit, PM Wong is also scheduled to meet with other high-ranking Vietnamese officials to discuss strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership.

These discussions and engagements are anticipated to solidify commitments made during previous high-level exchanges and explore new avenues for cooperation, reflecting the deepening ties between Vietnam and Singapore after 52 years of diplomatic relations. ​

According to the joint statement issued upon the upgrade of ties, both nations are committed to strengthening political trust, expanding multifaceted cooperation for mutual interests, and effectively addressing common challenges.

Since 1996, Singapore has been one of Vietnam's top economic partners.

In 2024, bilateral trade reached over US$23.7 billion, a 9.47-percent increase from 2023, the Vietnam Government Portal reported, citing the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore.

In the first two months of 2025, two-way trade exceeded $4.91 billion, marking a 27.15-percent year-on-year increase, positioning Vietnam as Singapore's ninth-largest trading partner.​

In terms of investment, Singapore is the largest ASEAN investor in Vietnam and ranks second among 147 countries and territories investing here, with 3,915 active projects totaling over $83 billion.

Singaporean investors are present in 54 of Vietnam's 63 provinces and cities, involving a wide range of economic sectors, primarily focusing on manufacturing, real estate, and energy distribution.​

Meanwhile, Vietnamese investors are developing 153 investment projects in Singapore, with a total registered capital exceeding $690 million.  

More than 20,000 Vietnamese currently reside in the city-state, serving as a bridge to promote friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

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