A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on enhancing relations, exchanges, and cooperation between Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) and the Parliament of Singapore was signed during the three-day visit to Hanoi paid by Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, his first official visit to Vietnam beginning on May 18.

Chairman of Vietnam's National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore Tan Chuan-Jin in Hanoi on May 18. Photos: Quochoi

During the visit made at the invitation of Chairman of Vietnam's National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue, the two legislative bodies also supported the signing of an MoU on cybersecurity, mutual legal assistance, and trans-border crime prevention.

They argued that the legislative connection is an extremely important channel for enhancing the bilateral relationship and making practical contributions to the multifaceted relations.

Amid the global turbulence, the two countries should tighten relations, including the legislation to contribute to the advancement of the Strategic Partnership.

At the meeting, the two speakers exchanged views, fostered contacts, and promoted understanding and relations between the two parliaments, contributing to the effective cooperation of the two countries.

During the meeting, both speakers agreed that successful economic cooperation will elevate bilateral relations to new heights and expressed their joy in the strong economic ties as Singapore is the largest investor in Vietnam since 2020.

Hue said it’s a good time to foster economic ties as the two countries are deploying post-pandemic recovery plans, committing to refining legal framework, and quickly handling bottlenecks in business environment in Vietnam.

Vietnam welcomes Singaporean investment in developing smart cities, energy, tourism, hi-tech agriculture, auto parts, digital technology, green economy, and health in preparations for future and emerging pandemics.

Tan Chuan-jin said his visit to Vietnam is a chance for the two countries to further enhance the already strong relations, given the ever-growing economic ties and frequent high-level contacts and exchanges.

Tan noted that successful economic cooperation will not just produce monetary values but also boost the people-to-people connections and bilateral friendship.

The two speakers said legislative connection is good for the two countries in the post-pandemic recovery.

Regarding the regional connection, the speakers pledged to promote their roles in consolidating ASEAN unity and maintaining ASEAN Centrality and the bloc’s stances on regional issues.

During their stay in Vietnam, the Singaporean delegation including the parliament members Patrick Tay Teck Guan, Chua Kheng Wee Louis, Carrie Tan, Dr Wan Rizal, Don Wee, and Xie Yao Quan laid a wreath at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Tan paid courtesy calls to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Speaking about Tan’s visit, Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Mai Phuoc Dung said the visit is aimed to materialize high-level agreements reached during the visit to Singapore by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc in February 2022.

The visit is more meaningful when the two countries are preparing for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1973-2023) and the 10 years of the Strategic Partnership (2013-2023).

In 2017, Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin hosted a reception for former Vietnamese NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in which they reaffirmed the warm, friendly, and multi-faceted relations between Singapore and Vietnam.  In particular, they discussed the scope for more exchanges between parliamentarians to enhance bilateral ties and develop opportunities for greater cooperation in the government, business, and social sectors.

In July 2021, Tan and Hue held online talks to boost the cooperation between the two legislative bodies. 

The Singaporean parliament delegation visits the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on May 18, one day ahead of the birthday anniversary of the late Vietnamese president.