VGP – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishman on Friday talked on the phone over Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s recent remarks on Viet Nam and Cambodia. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Photo: VGP

FM Vivian Balakrishman affirmed Singapore attaches great importance to the strategic partnership with Viet Nam, explaining PM Lee’ remarks did not mean to hurt Viet Nam and Cambodia.

Deputy PM, FM Minh stressed that the remarks caused negative impacts, especially in the context that Cambodian people have marked the 40th anniversary of victory over Khmer Rouge regime.

Minh affirmed the justice and great contributions and sacrifices of the Vietnamese soldiers who were called by Cambodian people as “Buddha’s army” and helped Cambodia to get rid of the genocidal regime, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region.

Minh asked the Singaporean side to make proper adjustments.

The two officials agreed to continue close coordination in order to consolidate and advance the Viet Nam-Singapore relations and to enhance ASEAN solidarity and unity.

Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam has handed over a diplomatic note to Embassy of Singapore in Ha Noi over recent ‘invasion’ remarks by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, according to Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang.

Hang made the above statement when reporters asked about her response to the remarks of the Singaporean Prime Minister at the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue and a post on his Facebook on May 31 saying Viet Nam had “invaded” and “occupied” Cambodia./.