The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on January 16 launched its bureau in Singapore, raising the number of its bureaus abroad to 28, including six in ASEAN member countries.

The bureau is expected to accurately and timely report news and information related to bilateral and multilateral relations as well as regional and international events taking place in Singapore .

During recent years, the Vietnam-Singapore relationship has significantly developed in both depth and width. Singapore is playing an increasingly important role in economics, finance, politics and military in the region.

The same day, the Vietnam Television (VTV) also inaugurated its bureau in Singapore.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Hai Hau expressed his belief that VNA and VTV’s operation in Singapore will help strengthen mutual understanding between people of both countries, contributing to developing bilateral ties.

According to VTV General Director Tran Binh Minh, Singapore-based VTV bureau will be responsible to update the political, economic, cultural and social activities in Singapore and report important events in ASEAN member countries.

Singaporean Senior Parliamentary Secretary and representative of Ministry of Communications, Information and Education Sim Ann spoke highly of the opening VTV’s bureau in her country, which is the first among various activities to mark the 40 th anniversary of the Vietnam-Singapore diplomatic ties (August 1973-2013).-VNA