Viet Nam and Singapore share concerns over terrorism in the region and the world, and are willing to join hands in the fight against extreme violence, leaders of both countries said yesterday. They shared concern was expressed in talks held in Singapore between visiting Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh and his Singaporean counterpart Teo Chee Hean. Binh concludes his three-day visit to Singapore today.

Viet Nam and Singapore share concerns over terrorism in the region and the world, and are willing to join hands in the fight against extreme violence, leaders of both countries said yesterday

In their talks, both sides agreed to persist with exchange visits at levels between the Party, State and other government channels while stepping up people-to-people exchanges. They also agreed on effectively tapping strategic consultation mechanisms and enhancing ties between the two countries’ defence forces, particularly in naval and aviation sectors, anti-piracy co-operation and search and rescue operations.

The Singaporean side pledged to boost security collaboration with Viet Nam, especially in cyber security, sharing of anti-terrorism intelligence, immigration management, information security and personnel training.

Underscoring the strong growth of trade and investment, considering it a pillar of their bilateral strategic partnership, Singapore vowed to assist Viet Nam in economic reforms, constructive governance and opening up of the market. Vietnamese firms should join the global supply chain and serve as a bridge connecting Viet Nam and the Southeast Asia, officials said. Singaporeoffered to share experiences in policy making on urban management, corruption prevention, administrative reform, e-government and personnel training, and said it stands ready to send experts to Viet Nam for training in these areas.

On regional and global issues, both sides stressed the need for a united ASEAN playing a central role in dealing with strategic issues in the region, especially the East Sea (South China Sea) issue. Both sides affirmed the importance of the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), respect to diplomatic and legal process without the use of force or threat to use force and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards reaching a legally-binding and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Deputy PM Binh spoke highly of Singapore’s role in coordinating ASEAN-China ties and affirmed that Viet Nam would continue working closely with Singapore for the latter to successfully assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2018. During his visit, Binh held talks with and attended a banquet hosted by Deputy PM Teo Chee Hean, paid courtesy calls on President Tony Tan Keng Yam and PM Lee Hsien Loong, attended a luncheon hosted by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon and held working sessions with several Singaporean agencies. — VNS