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

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo, who is currently in Hanoi for an official visit, called on Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on 25 May 2009. Minister Yeo and PM Dung had a good exchange of views on bilateral and regional issues. PM Dung and Minister Yeo reaffirmed the excellent relations between Singapore and Vietnam. They agreed that both sides can explore more opportunities for cooperation to further enhance the bilateral relationship. PM Dung noted with appreciation Singapore's significant investments in Vietnam, in particular in the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks in southern and northern Vietnam. PM Dung also welcomed more investments from Singapore into Central Vietnam. In this regard, Minister Yeo shared with PM Dung his impressions of his weekend visits to Danang City and Quang Nam Province in Central Vietnam. Minister noted the investment opportunities in Central Vietnam, and informed PM Dung that he had invited the local leaders of Danang City and Quang Nam Province to do a roadshow in Singapore to promote these opportunities to Singapore companies.

Minister Yeo and PM Dung also discussed ways to further cooperate in strengthening ASEAN, and pledged Singapore's support for Vietnam's ASEAN Chairmanship next year. Minister Yeo and PM Dung also stressed the importance of Singapore and Vietnam working closely together in other regional fora such as ASEM and APEC.

Minister Yeo will attend the Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers' Meeting which begins today in Hanoi.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 MAY 2009