Vietnam asks Singapore to make adjustments after Lee Hsien Loong's statement
Singapore's Foreign Minister explained that Mr. Lee Hsien Loong's statement was not intended to offend Vietnam and Cambodia.
On the afternoon of June 7, at the request of Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh had a phone call with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan regarding the statement of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on May 31.
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| Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh talks on the phone with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. Photo: VGP/Hai Minh |
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan affirmed that Singapore highly values the Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, explained the context of the above statement and the purpose of the statement was not to insult Vietnam and Cambodia.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Pham Binh Minh emphasized that the above statement caused a negative reaction, especially in the context that the Cambodian people have just solemnly celebrated the 40th anniversary of their escape from the Pol Pot genocide and the Special Court in Cambodia has issued a verdict on the Khmer Rouge's crimes of genocide against humanity, returning justice to the victims and their families, which has been welcomed by the United Nations and the international community.
The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed the righteousness and great contributions and sacrifices of the Vietnamese volunteer army, which the Cambodian people consider a "Buddhist army", which helped Cambodia escape genocide and contributed to peace, stability and development in the region. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Pham Binh Minh suggested that Singapore make appropriate adjustments.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed to continue to cooperate closely to consolidate and develop the Vietnam-Singapore bilateral relationship as well as enhance ASEAN solidarity and unity./.
