Party leader begins Singapore visit

Singapore's Prime Minister and Secretary General of the People's Action Party of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong greets Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Tri Dung

SINGAPORE (VNS)— Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong held talks with Singaporean Prime Minister and Secretary General of the People's Action Party (PAP) of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong yesterday at the start of his official visit to Singapore.

Both leaders expressed their delight at the development of the two countries' relationship since the establishment of their bilateral diplomatic ties almost 40 years ago, and agreed to assign relevant agencies to complete contents for the signing of the Viet Nam-Singapore strategic partnership agreement in 2013.

They highlighted the significance and important results of the implementation of the Viet Nam-Singapore connectivity framework agreement and expanding Viet Nam-Singapore industrial parks.

Trong and Loong consented to regularly exchange delegations at all levels with the aim of enhancing friendship and mutual understanding and exchanging leadership, managerial and socio-economic development experiences.

The two leaders also agreed to broaden co-operation in education and training, science and technology, tourism, national defence and security, and shared the view that 45 years after its establishment, ASEAN continues to grow and enjoy deeper connectivity within the bloc, and with foreign countries and major political and economic centres worldwide.

Despite facing major difficulties and challenges, both leaders said that Viet Nam, Singapore and other ASEAN member countries needed to continue boosting solidarity and cooperation, maintain ASEAN's central role in the evolving regional structure, and successfully build an united and strong ASEAN community by 2015.

The two leaders also expressed concerns on recent complications in the East Sea and their wish that the parties involved settle the dispute by peaceful means. Trong thanked Singapore for its support of Viet Nam's candidacy to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2014-16 term and the UN Security Council for the 2020-21 term.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of three co-operation documents, including a Memorandum of Understanding on finance co-operation, the second amended protocol on double taxation avoidance and an agreement on research and training programmes for high-ranking officials of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. — VNS