The relationship between Vietnam and Singapore has experienced rapid, strong and efficient development across all five pillars of their strategic partnership, according to newly-accredited Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Nguyen Tien Minh.

As a financial and economical hub with a stable socio-political base and strong developing industry, Singapore is an important partner to Vietnam in politics, economics, defence security, culture, education-training, and science-technology, he said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency after meeting with Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam on January 29.

He held that strong development in the bilateral relationship will benefit the people of both nations, contributing to the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community and the maintenance of peace, stability and development in the region and around the world.

Besides deepening relations with traditional friends and neighbours, Vietnam devotes significant attention to furthering its comprehensive ties with other ASEAN members and Asia-Pacific nations, with Singapore as one of the top partners, the Ambassador said.

He added that the political ties between Vietnam and Singapore are progressing into a period of increasing trust; both sides have shared their mutual concerns on safeguarding peace, security and stability in the region, especially in the East Sea , for regional economic growth and prosperity.

Bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, investment, education and tourism has been further enhanced, with Singapore remaining one of the leading trade partners of Vietnam .

The two countries have also expanded collaboration in defence and security by actively implementing the agreement on bilateral defence cooperation signed in 2009.

Vietnam and Singapore have also worked closely at regional and global forums, helping to forge regional connections, narrow development gaps, enhance capacity to address any emerging challenges, and ensure navigation freedom, safety and security in the East Sea , elevating the role of the two countries in the ASEAN and beyond.

The diplomat pledged to enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations through high-level delegation and people-to-people exchanges and enhancing bilateral cooperation.

According to Minh, 2015 will be an important year with the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community, potential signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, and the commencement of the second year of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore .

The Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore will take an active role in popularising the Vietnamese culture and people as well as encouraging Singaporean businesses to invest in Vietnam, the diplomat said.-VNA