Politics

Vietnamese, Singaporean PMs discuss bilateral ties, regional issues in phone talks

On global and regional issues of shared concern, the two leaders voiced concern over escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. They called on Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint, refrain from the use of force, conduct dialogue and settle disputes through peaceful means.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the phone talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong on December 18. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the phone talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong on December 18. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong discussed bilateral ties and emerging global and regional issues in their phone talks on December 18.

PM Chinh expressed his pleasure at talking on the phone with PM Wong shortly after their in-person meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in November. He praised their regular meetings and calls, which have facilitated timely consultations, effective responses to challenges, and opportunities to sustain economic growth while contributing to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s unity.

Both leaders noted positive development steps in the bilateral relations following the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership earlier this year. They committed to rolling out the 2025-2030 Action Plan and exploring new mechanisms, including a strategic dialogue between the two ruling parties.

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds phone talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong on December 18. (Photo: VNA)

The two PMs agreed to prioritise the upgrade of the Vietnam–Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) network into a greener, smarter, more inclusive, and comprehensive second generation. They set a goal of expanding to 30 VSIPs by 2030 and bringing the model to other countries in the region.

PM Chinh welcomed progress on feasibility studies for exporting Vietnam’s offshore wind power to Singapore and proposed collaboration on small modular nuclear reactors. He also urged the early launch of joint projects in carbon credits and food security.

The Vietnamese PM encouraged Singapore's involvement in Vietnam's planned international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang city, along with continued support for workforce development. He expressed hope that Vietnam-Singapore ties could serve as a regional exemplar of unity, cooperation and dialogue.

Agreeing with PM Chinh’s proposals, PM Wong stressed that amid increasingly complex regional developments, Singapore wants to work closely with Vietnam to substantively advance the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, making it a “beacon” for mutually beneficial cooperation within ASEAN.

On global and regional issues of shared concern, the two leaders voiced concern over escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. They called on Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint, refrain from the use of force, conduct dialogue and settle disputes through peaceful means. Both vowed to work closely with other ASEAN members to strengthen unity, uphold ASEAN's centrality, and leverage its mechanisms to foster dialogue, contributing to regional peace, stability and cooperation.

The two PMs also reaffirmed their commitments to close and effective coordination when Vietnam hosts the APEC Year and Singapore assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027./.

VNA
#Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh #PM Lawrence Wong #phone talks #G20 Summit
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