Singapore reaffirms relations with US

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and visiting US Vice President Joe Biden reasserted the bilateral relationship, especially in security and trade, during their talks on July 26.

Saturday, July 27, 2013 15:20

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and visiting US VicePresident Joe Biden reasserted the bilateral relationship, especially insecurity and trade, during their talks on July 26.

The US plays a ‘constructive role’ in the Asia Pacific region,which is vividly manifested through its engagement in the Trans-PacificPartnership (TPP) negotiations, PM Lee said after the talks.

Both leaders applauded Japan ’s recent participation in TPPnegotiations in Malaysia , looking towards a free trade area thataccounts for 40 percent of the global GDP.

"TPP is not only an ambition, it's doable," Biden added, promising to get the TPP negotiations done in 2013.

As for security partnership, Biden said the two countries need tocooperate more closely in dealing with proliferation and other emergingthreats, as well as maintaining and boosting their militaryrelationship.

Biden is on his three-day visitin Singapore from July 25 to 27. He also called on President TonyTan, and former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on July 26.

He is scheduled to visit the Pratt & Whitney aircraft engineoverhaul facility and the US littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Freedom atthe Changi Naval Base on July 27.-VNA.

See more

Authorities conduct a rescue operation at the scene of a passenger bus crash into a ravine on Bao Loc Pass, Lam Dong province, on March 30. (Photo: VNA)

Nearly 2,600 traffic deaths recorded in Q1, down 2%

02/04/2025 17:32

The majority of incidents took place on roadways, with 4,710 accidents causing 2,565 deaths and 3,192 injuries.

Rescue teams search for victims after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 31, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Myanmar earthquake: Relief efforts face major challenges

02/04/2025 15:53

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake has caused widespread destruction in central Myanmar, displacing tens of thousands. The situation has been further complicated by ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Sagaing region, making it extremely difficult to deliver aid to affected areas.

At the explosion site (Photo: Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim)

Malaysia investigates gas pipeline explosion

02/04/2025 15:21

The incident destroyed 78 houses and 10 shop lots, while also damaging 237 other houses and numerous vehicles. An estimated 364 people were affected, including 63 injured.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra listens to a briefing by a team of Israeli rescuers who are part of an international contingent working at the collapsed building site in Bangkok. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand works to restore global trust after Myanmar quake

02/04/2025 14:41

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra underscored Thailand's commitment to restoring its image and ensuring public confidence, noting that a thorough investigation into the project's approval, design and construction materials is underway.

Thailand speeds up investigation into Bangkok building collapse

02/04/2025 14:37

The SAO building, valued at 2.1 billion THB (61.4 million USD), had been under construction for approximately five years and was nearing completion. It was the only building in Bangkok to collapse as a result of the powerful earthquake in Myanmar.

Personnel from the Vietnam People’s Army talk to Myanmar people about search and rescue efforts after the eathquake. (Photo published by VNA)

Myanmar earthquake: UN agencies report progress in humanitarian assistance

02/04/2025 11:08

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in Myanmar Marcoluigi Corsi, reported that aid initiatives are proceeding smoothly without significant obstacles.

Delegates at the event (Photo: kpl.gov.la)

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development

02/04/2025 05:32

Laos' Enabling Environment Roadmap for Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM EE) outlines strategies for the effective management of public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Malaysia stays vigilant over earthquake risk

02/04/2025 00:05

Malaysia is not situated along the collision zone of major tectonic plates, but several minor tremors have been recorded in certain areas over recent decades.

Humanitarian aid to be sent to victims of the earthquake in Myanmar, as seen at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on March 31. (Photo: Antara)

Myanmar earthquake: Intensified int’l efforts for disaster relief

01/04/2025 21:53

Japan will dispatch a team of medical personnel to Myanmar to provide emergency assistance in response to the devastating earthquake that struck the Southeast Asian nation last week.

Strong earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia

01/04/2025 20:52

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake occurred at 5:15 pm, with its epicenter located 93 km northeast of Indonesia's Maluku Barat Daya district and a hypocenter at a depth of 157 km beneath the seabed. No tsunami warning has been issued.

Rescue forces are racing against time to search for victims of the earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Myanmar earthquake: Devastation’s full extend is not clear

01/04/2025 16:00

Myanmar's state media quoted military government leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as saying the earthquake death toll had reached 2,065, with more than 3,900 injured and some 270 missing. Aid agencies forecast these numbers will rise significantly due to information blackouts in remote areas.

The emergency response team that Laos sent to Myanmar to assist with search and rescue efforts after the March 28 earthquake. (Photo: published by VNA)

Laos sends 33 officers to Myanmar for earthquake relief efforts

01/04/2025 15:02

Laos' participation in the search and rescure operations not only helps Myanmar overcome post-earthquake difficulties but also demonstrates its solidarity, compassion, and sense of international responsibility.

Rescuers work at the site of a damaged building, in the aftermath of a strong earthquake, in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 30, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS)

Thailand's payments system, businesses operating normally after quake

01/04/2025 00:40

Financial institutions continue to provide normal services for both retail and corporate clients, Deputy Governor of the the Bank of Thailand Roong Mallikamas said on March 31, describing the impact as a “short-term shock".

File - Passengers pass through the automatic immigration checkpoint (auto gate) at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, January 3, 2024. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia operates auto gates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

31/03/2025 23:05

According to Johanes Fanny Satria Cahya Aprianto, head of the airport's immigration office, immigration services are fully prepared for the surge in passengers. Currently the office has deployed 531 personnel to ensure smooth and efficient immigration processing at the airport.