Top leader begins Singapore visit, to deliver keynote at Shangri-La Dialogue

The visit has been made at the invitation of Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his spouse.

Welcoming the Vietnamese leader and his entourage at Changi International Airport were Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Rajpal Singh, Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh and embassy staff.

The visit takes place shortly after Vietnam and Singapore elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the leader’s official visit to Singapore in March 2025.

The upgraded relationship reflects growing political trust and expanding cooperation across trade, investment, digital transformation, green economy, innovation and clean energy.

Singapore remains the largest ASEAN investor in Vietnam, while the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) continue to serve as a flagship symbol of successful bilateral cooperation.

During the trip, Party General Secretary and President To Lam is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, marking the first time a Vietnamese Party and State leader has given the opening keynote speech at Asia’s premier defence and security forum.

Hosted annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Shangri-La Dialogue gathers senior defence officials, policymakers and security experts from around the world. The 2026 edition is expected to welcome more than 550 delegates from over 40 countries.

Singapore was also the first country to establish a Green-Digital Economic Partnership with Vietnam, opening new opportunities in digital economy, sustainability, circular economy and climate resilience.

Before arriving in Singapore, To Lam concluded his visit to Thailand, where he was seen off at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport by Acting Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and senior Thai officials.

Singapore, Vietnam entering new phase in bilateral ties: ambassador

VOV.VN - Singapore is honoured to welcome Party General Secretary and State President To Lam for a State visit from May 29-31 at the invitation of Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Rajpal Singh has said ahead of the trip.