PM Chính’s Singapore, Brunei visits aim to make ASEAN more cohesive: deputy FM

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s official visits to Singapore and Brunei carry the message of working more closely with ASEAN for a more cohesive, stable and prosperous Southeast Asia, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Đỗ Hùng Việt has said. The visits are expected to deepen the strategic partnership with Singapore, an important economic partner of Việt Nam, and the comprehensive partnership with Brunei, a promising economic partner, according to the official. The visits will contribute to expanding cooperation in new fields like innovation, digital economy, green economy, sustainable development, and clean energy. Two-way trade between Việt Nam and Brunei hit US$725.8 million in 2022, up 134 per cent year-on-year, surpassing their leaders' goal of $500 million set for 2025. As of November 2022, there were close to 300 Vietnamese living in Brunei, including students pursuing doctorate education at the University of Brunei Darussalam, and over 200 workers.