MFA Press Statement: Telephone conversation between Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam and Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh

            Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh called Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam on Friday, 16 May 2014. Deputy Prime Minister Minh had wanted to discuss the recent rioting that had taken place at the two Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) in Binh Duong province.

            Deputy Prime Minister Minh said that the Vietnamese authorities were taking this issue seriously and dealing with the situation firmly.  Deputy Prime Minister Minh assured Minister Shanmugam of the safety and security of property and personnel at the VSIPs.

            Minister Shanmugam expressed Singapore’s deep concern over the riots that had taken place, and highlighted that the VSIPs were endorsed by the governments of Vietnam and Singapore. Minister Shanmugam said that investor and business confidence would be impacted by riots. Minister Shanmugam also stressed that the burning of the Singapore flag on 13 May 2014 was unacceptable. Minister Shanmugam welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Minh’s assurance that the Vietnamese authorities would take firm action to deal with the situation. Minister Shanmugam also said that it was essential hereafter to ensure the safety and security of personnel and property at the VSIPs. Deputy Prime Minister Minh responded by assuring Minister Shanmugam that Vietnam would take all the necessary steps to ensure that the VSIPs were properly protected.

.    .    .    .    .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

18 MAY 2014