Vietnamese President welcomes Singaporean Prime Minister

President Quang said Singapore has continually been a leading economic, trade and investment partner of Vietnam, elaborating that the two countries' Connectivity Framework Agreement has been implemented effectively while Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) are being expanded to the northern and central regions of Vietnam.

The solid political relationship has helped step up economic ties as well as cooperation in defence, security, science-technology, education-training, education and people-to-people exchange.

Vietnam is prioritising the production of high-quality agricultural products, he said, asking Singapore to facilitate its products to access the Singaporean market and, through Singapore, to make inroads into other countries.

He also hoped that the Singaporean Government will encourage the country's businesses to invest in and expand hi-tech and food industry parks in Thanh Hoa Province and the software park in Da Nang City while building another VSIP in Quang Tri Province.

PM Lee, who is on an official visit to Vietnam, noted with satisfaction the growing strategic partnership between the two countries, adding that sound political relations have provided a driving force for economic, trade and investment links.

Singapore wants to work with Vietnam to build hi-tech and software parks. It also hopes to promote cooperation in cyber security, he said.

Voicing his delight at Singapore's effective investments in Vietnam, he stressed his country's ministries and sectors are working hard to bolster connections with Vietnam such as in agriculture. His country is actively cooperating with Vietnamese suppliers to ensure Vietnam's agricultural products will be qualified for entering this market.

At the meeting, the two leaders shared the view on the need for a region of peace, stability, security, safety and development. They also voiced concerns about increasing terrorism and piracy in the region.

PM Lee highlighted the countries' good coordination in ASEAN and other multilateral mechanisms, as well as in the East Sea issue, free trade promotion, and new-generation free trade agreements like TPP and RCEP.

President Quang asked both sides strengthen collaboration in security-defence and anti-terrorism and crime information and experience sharing. He also asked Singapore to continue bringing into play its role as the coordinator of ASEAN-China relations, and to push for the finalisation and effective enforcement of a quality code of conducts (COC) of parties in the East Sea.

He echoed the Singaporean PM's viewpoint on challenges facing ASEAN, adding that the bloc should intensify solidarity, cooperation and consensus to jointly resolve relevant challenges. He highly valued Singapore's role in the region and the world and hoped that the two countries will boost coordination and consultation at regional and global events.

The Vietnamese leader took this opportunity to invite PM Lee to attend the 25^th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting slated for this November in Da Nang city. PM Lee thanked and expressed the readiness to participate in the event.

(Source: VNA)