Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (Right) and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong expressed delight at the development of the two countries’ strategic partnership. — Photo VNA

Viet Nam News –SOCHI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc met with his counterparts from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in the Russian city of Sochi on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit.

At the meetings, the three ASEAN countries’ PMs congratulated the newly-appointed leaders of Việt Nam and pledged to work with them to boost their nations’ relationships with Vieät Nam.

PM Phúc and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong expressed delight at the development of the two countries’ strategic partnership.

Two-way trade rose by 10 per cent to US$16 billion in 2015. Singapore continues to be a leading investor in Vieät Nam with total capital of $36.5 billion. Singapore’s industrial parks in Việt Nam have operated more and more effectively, they noted.

PM Lee Hsien Loong said many Vietnamese agricultural and industrial products are making inroads into Singapore’s market. Additionally, his country remains an attractive destination for Vietnamese students.

At another meeting with Malaysia PM Najib Rajak also yesterday, both sides agreed to finalise and sign agreements on judicial assistance, transfer of convicts, extradition, services, aviation and education.

Việt Nam and Malaysia will enhance investment and trade partnerships, along with marine co-operation. They will also consider receiving Vietnamese workers in Malaysia.

Late on Wednesday, Prime Minister Phúc had a meeting with Thai PM Prayuth Chan-o-cha. They agreed to realise agreements reached at the third Việt Nam – Thailand joint Cabinet meeting in July 2015 and the action programme for implementing the strategic partnership for 2014 – 2018.

They pledged to bolster co-operation in security, defence, economics, trade, investment, connectivity, transport and tourism. The two countries will also organise various activities to mark the 40th founding anniversary of their diplomatic ties (June 8, 1976).

Phúc valued the Thai leader’s work in fostering labour co-operation with Vieät Nam and asked Thailand to provide optimal conditions for labour registration and recruit Vietnamese workers in more sectors.

At the meetings, the Vietnamese leader and his counterparts from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand agreed to intensify solidarity and maintain the ASEAN’s central role in major issues pertaining to peace, security, and interests of each country.

They affirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, carrying out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, pushing for a code of conduct in the waters, and resolving sea disputes on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit to mark the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia dialogue partnership issued a Sochi Declaration, affirming their commitment to moving towards a strategic partnership. — VNS