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Vietnam-Singapore Relations Strengthened Through People-to-People Exchanges

Lam Dung Tien, head of the Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City, celebrated the 78th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2/9/1945-2/9/2023) while also emphasizing the strong bond shared between the two countries during the last 50 years. Fostered by the trust and mutual respect of the people, many meaningful exchanges between Vietnam and Singapore have taken place over the years, which further strengthened the ties between the two governments, culminating in the establishment of the strategic partnership 10 years ago.

Administrator

3 September, 2023

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People-to-people Exchanges Cultivate Vietnam-Singapore Relations

Vietnamese agricultural products at Singapore supermarket chains. Photo: KT

According to Lam Dung Tien, the president of Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City (VSFA), the friendly relationship between the people of Vietnam and Singapore over the past 50 years has been built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. It is cultivated through regular exchanges between the peoples of the two countries. Currently, there are over tens of thousands of Vietnamese scholars, students and workers who have been living, studying and working in Singapore.

Speaking at the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 10 years of the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership taking place in early August in Hanoi, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan said “The achievements that Vietnam-Singapore cultivated play an important role in people-to-people diplomacy activities, exchanges and persistent connections between people and the business community.”

The Vice President appreciated the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association, together with the economic and cultural friendship associations and unions, having many effective activities to promote, fostering strong development of relations between the two countries.

“People-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Singapore have been emphasized since Vietnam joined ASEAN (1995).

However, since the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations established the Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association (VSFA) in 2014, people-to-people exchanges with Singapore have developed strongly.

The relationship between the two countries is increasingly expanding on the basis of implementing cooperation agreements to create a legal corridor, along with specific projects in the fields of charity, humanitarian, education, healthcare, cultural exchange, trade promotion and investment forums to connect businesses of the two sides.

VSFA’s people-to-people exchange programs and activities aim to continuously enhance understanding and friendship between the two peoples. They also serve the socio-economic development programs and priorities of the country and localities particularly, contributing to the strategic partnership between the two countries.”

Ambassador Nguyen Duc Hung, vice president, general secretary of Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association

Lam Dung Tien, president of Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City (VSFA). Photo: doanhnghiephoinhap.vn

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the friendship between Vietnam and Singapore (August 1, 1973-August 1, 2023) and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership, VSFA praised 14 outstanding groups and individuals, who directly participated in cooperation, trade, and work in education, culture, science and foreign affairs between the two countries. This is a testament to the spirit of cooperation and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore.

Lam Dung Tien, head of the Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association shared that since the early 19th century, the two countries had business relations, and it grew stronger throughout history until today.

In particular, in the journey to find a way to save the country, President Ho Chi Minh twice visited Singapore in the early 1930s, and Lee Kuan Yew, the first prime minister, the founder of modern Singapore, and a great leader, made many important contributions to the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

In September 2013, during the official visit to Vietnam by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the two countries established a strategic partnership, marking a new development in the cooperation relationship.

Since then, the relationship between the two countries had new and stronger developments. Singaporean investors in Vietnam invested a significant amount of capital with more than US$14 billion in Ho Chi Minh City, making Singapore a leader in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ho Chi Minh City.

“The Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association will continue to coordinate closely with partners and Singaporean people’s organizations to effectively implement signed agreements, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and contribute to consolidating the friendship between the two countries,” Lam Dung Tien said.

Rosie Nguyen