This is the first official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong since he assumed office, and it is especially significant as the two countries have recently upgraded their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting the importance they place on the bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's official visit to Vietnam comes at a time when the Vietnam-Singapore relationship, which has spanned over half a century with many ups and downs in history and changing circumstances, continues to be nurtured by the leaders and people of both nations and develop steadily and deeply.
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Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung welcomes Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his spouse at the Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi). (Photo: VNA) |
More than 50 years ago, in August 1973, Singapore was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords. This marked the beginning of a long journey of close, committed bilateral relations, which have continuously grown stronger. In the early 1990s, following the global and regional shifts and Vietnam's renewal process, the Vietnam-Singapore relationship experienced rapid development, especially after Vietnam joined ASEAN in 1995, standing side by side with Singapore under one "common roof." In 2013, Singapore became one of the first ASEAN member countries to establish a strategic partnership with Vietnam.
It can be affirmed that Singapore has always been an important partner, accompanying Vietnam throughout its reform, opening-up, and development journey. After more than 50 years, the Vietnam-Singapore relationship has developed comprehensively through the channels of the Party, State, Government, National Assembly, and people, with a high level of political trust. Economic cooperation is a standout feature of the Vietnam-Singapore relationship. Singapore is now Vietnam’s fourth-largest trade partner in ASEAN and the 14th largest in the world, while Vietnam is Singapore’s fourth-largest trade partner in ASEAN and the 11th largest in the world.
In 2024, the total bilateral trade turnover reached over USD 10 billion. The Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) are effectively operated, serving as a symbol of the success of bilateral economic cooperation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore was one of the first ASEAN countries to provide medical equipment and supplies to Vietnam. The two countries have continuously focused on cooperation in defense, security, education, and human resource training. Apart from bilateral cooperation, Vietnam and Singapore have supported each other at multilateral forums and made active contribution to the ASEAN Community-building process.
The senior leaders of both countries have emphasized the importance of deepening the friendship and trust and expanding cooperation in various fields. Based on the significant achievements made over more than five decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations, during the recent official visit of Party General Secretary To Lam to Singapore from March 11 to 13, 2025, the two countries upgraded their relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership, making Vietnam Singapore’s first comprehensive strategic partner in ASEAN. This historic milestone opens a new chapter for bilateral relations with a long-term and more comprehensive vision.
Reflecting on the achievements made over more than half a century, we are fully confident in the bright future of the Vietnam-Singapore relationship, which is strengthened by cultural similarities, geographical proximity, and overlapping interests at both regional and international levels. Ample room remains for developing the Vietnam-Singapore relationship, propelled by the rich internal resources of both countries and the era of scientific and technological revolution, deeper regional and global integration and connectivity.
We wish Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his spouse a successful visit, which will create momentum for multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore, contributing to the development of each country and bringing practical benefits to the two peoples. It will also contribute to the overall development of ASEAN, for a self-reliant, dynamic, creative ASEAN Community with people at its core.
By editorial board
Translated by Tran Hoai