The working session between the Vietnam Fatherland Front delegation and representatives of the National Community Leadership Institute of Singapore on May 8 (Photo: VNA) Singapore (VNA) – The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and the People’s Association (PA) of Singapore have agreed to bolster people-to-people and cultural exchanges to help strengthen the two countries’ friendship.
The two sides reached the consensus during a working session that forms part of a high-ranking VFF delegation’s working visit to Singapore from May 7 to 11.
Vice President and Secretary General of the VFF Central Committee Hau A Lenh spoke highly of the PA’s role as a bridge for the Government and people.
He noted the VFF values its cooperation with the PA, adding that the two organisations share many similarities in their operations and goals which include improving people’s living standards.
The official asked the PA to continue helping enhance the cooperation between Singaporean agencies and businesses and Vietnam in all spheres, especially defence, security, economy, trade, investment, and education-training. He also called for more coordination to organise exchanges and cooperation activities within the framework of ASEAN and other multilateral forums.
The over 12,000 Vietnamese people in Singapore have greatly contributed to local society and the two countries’ relations. Meanwhile, Vietnam has also become increasingly attractive to Singaporean investors.
Lenh asked the PA to help promote the provision of favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country, adding that Vietnam will also ensure optimal conditions for Singaporean businesses’ activities.
For his part, PA Chief Executive Director Desmond Tan applauded the two organisations’ cooperation, saying that culture and arts are the most effective way to boost mutual understanding between the two peoples.
As culture is an important cooperation aspect, the two sides will increase sending arts troupes to each other’s festivals, including the Hue Festival of Vietnam or the Chingay Festival of Singapore, he noted.
At the session, the two sides agreed to organise annual delegation exchanges so as to share experience, step up cooperation in training community workers, and increase people-to-people exchanges, thus enhancing the countries’ friendship.
As part of the visit, the VFF delegation also paid a courtesy call to Sam Tan, Minister of State for Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development. They also visited the National Community Leadership Institute and outstanding community clubs of Singapore.-VNA
VNA
