Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign AffairsPham Binh Minh held phone talks with Singaporean Minister for Foreign Affairs VivianBalakrishnan on March 4, during which they discussed measures to bolstertrade exchange and speed up post-pandemic economic recovery, as well as thefacilitation of travelling between the two sides.
The two officials also mentioned the COVID-19 vaccination plans and the possibilityof applying vaccine passports.
The Singaporean FM congratulated Vietnam on the success ofthe 13th National Party Congress as well as Minh’s re-election tothe Politburo.
He also congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in controlling theCOVID-19 pandemic and socio-economic development. He affirmed that Singapore attachesgreat importance to cooperation with Vietnam, especially in the currentcomplicated developments of the global and regional situation.
Minh thanked Singapore for supporting Vietnam in performing its role of ASEAN Chair in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN SecurityCouncil in the 2020-2021 tenure.
He proposed that the two sides continue to promote the exchange of delegations at all levels at suitabletimes. He expressed his hope that Singapore will cooperate with and support Vietnamin approaching safe and effective vaccines.
Balakrishnan sharedSingapore’s experience in implementing the Connect@Changi initiative to create favourableconditions for international entrepreneurs to meet and exchange at the airport.He affirmed that his country is willing to give optimal conditions forVietnamese citizens to transit in Singapore to go home.
During the talks, the two sides also discussed a number ofregional and international issues of mutual concern, including those related toMyanmar. They shared their hope that the situation in Myanmar will become stablesoon, for peace and cooperation in the region and contributing to thecollaboration, role and prestige of the ASEAN. Both sides agreed to continue joiningjoint efforts of ASEAN in seeking solutions to the Myanmar issue./.
