S`pore-Viet Military Pact

Hanoi, Vietnam - Military ties between Singapore and Vietnam will grow stronger under a new defence pact inked by both countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said the defence cooperation agreement, which was signed on Tuesday, will allow the armed forces in both countries to build up a strong partnership. This would go beyond existing partnerships such as port calls to include areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, he said.

DPM Teo made the observation on Wednesday when he wrapped up a four-day official visit to Vietnam. He noted that significant progress has already been made and was upbeat about bilateral ties. He said Vietnam is an important strategic partner in the region that is well-placed to contribute to regional security.

This is due, in part, to the industrious, competitive and entrepreneurial nature of its people, he added. He said: `Sixty per cent of its population is under the age of 30, and this makes Vietnam a young country, robust and full of energy.`

During his visit, DPM Teo met Vietnam`s leaders, including Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh.

The DPM said that with Vietnam taking over the chairmanship of Asean from Thailand next year, the country will play a crucial role in shaping and driving the agenda of the 10-member grouping.

For instance, Vietnam will host the fourth Asean Defence Ministers` Meeting, targeted at fostering greater cooperation among Asean`s militaries and building an integrated Asean community.

At an event attended by senior military and government officials at Vietnam`s National Defence College on Wednesday, DPM Teo underlined the close cooperation between the two countries by highlighting the flagship Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park project. The project, which started in 1996, has since expanded to four locations in south and north Vietnam and employs more than 60,000 workers.

Singapore has been among the top investors in fast-growing Vietnam for years. It is currently ranked fifth, with cumulative investment surpassing $17 billion to date. Jermyn Chow

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com

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