HCMC – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presided over an official welcome ceremony for Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his spouse on the morning of March 26 at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, marking the start of the Singaporean leader’s official visit to Vietnam.
Prime Minister Wong arrived in Hanoi on the afternoon of March 25 for a visit from March 25 to 26 at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse.
This is Prime Minister Wong’s first official visit to Vietnam since taking office, taking place as Vietnam and Singapore seek to advance their recently upgraded comprehensive strategic partnership. The visit closely follows Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Singapore earlier this month.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh said the Singaporean leader’s visit is a step toward implementing key understandings and agreements reached during General Secretary To Lam’s visit, reported the Government’s news website (baochinhphu.vn).
Singapore’s Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam noted that the visit reflects the shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, especially in addressing challenges, strengthening resilience, and driving mutual growth.
Prime Minister Wong is accompanied by his spouse, Loo Tze Lui, along with a high-level delegation including Vivian Balakrishnan, minister for Foreign Affairs; Tan See Leng, minister for Manpower and second minister for Trade and Industry; Rahayu Binte Mahzam, minister of State for Health and minister of State for Communications and Information; Albert Chua, permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs; Jaya Ratnam, Singapore’s Ambassador to Vietnam; and Pang Te Cheng, Consul General in HCMC.
During the visit, the Singaporean leader is scheduled to meet with senior Vietnamese leaders, including those from the Party, State, and National Assembly, along with other activities aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
Vietnam and Singapore established diplomatic relations 52 years ago. Over the past five decades, bilateral ties have grown steadily, underpinned by strong political trust, robust economic cooperation, and close people-to-people links.
This year marks several key milestones for both countries. Singapore celebrates its 60th National Day and commemorates the 10th anniversary of the passing of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Meanwhile, Vietnam observes the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 80th National Day, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of south Vietnam and the reunification of the nation, and the 30th anniversary of its accession to ASEAN.
