MFA Press Statement: State Visit Of His Excellency Nguyen Minh Triet, President Of The Socialist Republic Of Vietnam, 16 November 2009

President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam His Excellency Nguyen Minh Triet, who is in Singapore on a State Visit, called on President Nathan on 16 November 2009. During the meeting, the Presidents expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. They welcomed the regular exchange of visits between both countries, and called for greater cooperation and linkages at all levels.

President Triet also had separate meetings with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Prime Minister Lee and President Triet discussed international and regional developments, including the recently concluded APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM), and welcomed the ASEAN-US Leaders Meeting held on 15 November 2009. Prime Minister Lee also underscored Singapore's commitment to work with Vietnam during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2010. President Triet said that Vietnam looked forward to welcoming Prime Minister Lee in January 2010 to officiate the launch of the Haiphong Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP).

Senior Minister Goh and President Triet had a discussion on bilateral relations and recent economic developments in Vietnam. They reaffirmed the strong economic cooperation between the two countries, in particular, the good progress made across all six sectors of the bilateral Connectivity Framework Agreement. Minister Mentor Lee and President Triet discussed how the two countries can work together to enhance connectivity, trade and investments. Both leaders also agreed on the importance of education and human resource development.

President Nathan will host a State Banquet in honour of President Triet this evening.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
16 NOVEMBER 2009