Vietnam and Singapore have time-honored and close friendship relations.  Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this at a reception for Vietnam’s visiting Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong yesterday at the Singapore presidential palace.

Mr. Loong said Vietnam and Singapore are working together in all fields including economics, education and training, national defence. The Connectivity Framework agreement between the two countries, in its 7^th year, is a great opportunity to foster bilateral ties. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong praised the Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Zone as a tangible symbol for developing economic cooperation between the two countries. As Vietnam  and Singapore will mark the 40^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year, Mr. Loong shared his hope that Vietnam and Singapore will be brought to a strategic partnership. Vietnam and Singapore also share a constructive partnership in ASEAN and other international arenas. The two countries are committed to a united ASEAN community by 2015.

Party leader Trong said Vietnam consistently follows a foreign policy of peace, independence, sovereignty, cooperation, development, multilaterization, and diversification in its relations as a trust worthy and responsible member of the international community. Vietnam’s commitment to actively contributing to the bloc’s common goal of building an ASEAN community. Mr. Trong: "We are always grateful to international friends like Singapore for their great assistance and support. Over the years, relations between the two countries have steadily developed in various fields. Singapore is Vietnam’s leading investor and trading partner. Some 10,000 Vietnamese students are currently studying in Singapore. I have had an open talk with Singaporean Prime Minister on bilateral ties and regional and global issues of mutual concerns".