Singapore’s National Security Minister Visits Vietnam on Official Trip

The Vietnamese Minister of Public Security, To Lam, held talks with the Coordinating Minister for National Security of Singapore, Teo Chee Hean, who was visiting Vietnam, according to VOV.

Lam welcomed Teo and emphasized the ongoing and enhanced cooperation between the Vietnamese Public Security Ministry and Singaporean law enforcement agencies. This cooperation includes the exchange of delegations, joint efforts in crime prevention and fire control, digital transformation, and the construction of the national population data center.

Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean inspects the honor guard with Minister of Public Security To Lam at the Ministry of Public Security.

The two sides have actively collaborated in implementing the results of ASEAN ministerial conferences on cybersecurity, the formulation of cybersecurity legislation, and the negotiation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cybersecurity cooperation, cybercrime prevention, and personal data protection between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Singaporean Ministry of Communications and Information in 2022.

During the talks, the two sides agreed to expedite negotiations for the signing of new legal documents, including an extradition agreement, an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons, an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, a MoU on cooperation in the field of digital transformation, and the establishment of the national population data center between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Office of the Prime Minister of Singapore.

They also agreed to increase visit exchanges to share information and strengthen cooperation in ensuring security and safety in cyberspace, particularly in effectively preventing cyber attacks and intrusions, as well as handling cybercrime.

Vietnam and Singapore discussed measures to enhance national security cooperation in Hanoi on November 16.

They agreed to share experiences in establishing and managing e-government and smart cities, as well as in implementing legal systems to ensure network security.

Both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in exchanging crime information and apprehending criminals hiding in either country to ensure security and safety for investment and business activities, as well as to safeguard citizens living, studying, traveling, and working in each other’s country.

The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, particularly in maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the region, as well as resolving disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

They expressed their support for strengthening solidarity and unity to build a resilient and prosperous ASEAN and to promote its central role in the regional architecture.

On the same day, National Assembly Vice Chairman Sen. Lieut. Gen Tran Quang Phuong hosted Teo, highlighting the significance of the visit as it marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Singapore diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the bilateral strategic partnership, as reported by VNA.

Phuong suggested that in addition to traditional cooperation areas, both countries should further enhance their ties in new areas such as clean energy, just energy transition, digital transformation, exchange of talents, and innovation.

National Assembly Vice Chairman Sen. Lieut. Gen. Tran Quang Phuong (right) and Singaporean Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean.

Regarding parliamentary cooperation, Phuong suggested that both legislatures actively collaborate to effectively implement bilateral cooperation agreements, including the exchange of visits by their leaders, committees, and legislators to share experiences in lawmaking, as well as to discuss global and regional issues of mutual concern.

Both sides should provide mutual support at multilateral parliamentary forums in the region and the world, such as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF).

Phuong expressed his hope for Singapore’s continued support in further strengthening bilateral ties across various areas, deepening the bilateral strategic partnership, and delivering practical benefits to the people of both countries.