MFA Press Statement: Official Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo to The Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 22-25 May 2009

Photo: ©AFP

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo, who is currently in Hanoi for an official visit, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem on 22 May 2009. DPM Khiem received Minister Yeo warmly, and they had a good exchange of views on regional and bilateral issues. Both leaders reaffirmed the strong and increasingly multi-faceted ties between Singapore and Vietnam, and discussed ways to further bilateral cooperation. They also agreed to enhance cooperation to strengthen ASEAN, especially in view of Vietnam assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship next year. Minister Yeo and DPM Khiem also reaffirmed the importance of working closely together in regional fora such as ASEM and APEC. DPM Khiem also hosted Minister Yeo and the Singapore delegation to a dinner.

Minister Yeo and DPM Khiem also co-witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding to strengthen cooperation between the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy's Asia Competitiveness Institute (ACI) and the Central Institute of Economic Management, and between ACI and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Minister Yeo will travel to Danang City in Central Vietnam tomorrow, and will meet with Chairman of Danang City People's Committee Tran Van Minh.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
22 MAY 2009