PUBLISHED ONMay 28, 2026 10:00 AMBYSean LerTo Lam, the president of Vietnam, will make a four-day state visit to Singapore from Thursday (May 28) — his first visit to Singapore since assuming office in April.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said the visit affirms the strong and multifaceted relationship between Singapore and Vietnam.
Ties between the two countries were upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) in March last year.
Under the CSP, both countries will focus on renewable energy, artificial intelligence, undersea cable development, and other critical infrastructure projects.
A former career police officer, Lam rose through the ranks and held senior roles in Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security before becoming Minister of Public Security in 2016.
He became general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2024, was re-elected in January this year, and was elected as president on April 7.
Lam will receive a ceremonial welcome on Friday, followed by a courtesy call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and a meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
He will also be hosted to a state banquet by President Tharman, before delivering a keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
This will be Lam's first address on Vietnam's foreign policy to an international audience since becoming president. It would also be the first time a Vietnamese general secretary delivers a keynote address at Asia's premier defence summit.
While in Singapore, President Lam will also receive a call from Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng and join PM Wong in a tree-planting ceremony.
He will also visit the Agency for Science, Technology and Research's (A*STAR) Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) and Bishan Depot.
PM Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will also host the Lam to separate meals during his stay.
Apart from the Vietnamese First Lady, President Lam will also be accompanied by ministers and senior officials from Vietnam.
In 2025, Vietnam was Singapore's tenth largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods reaching $40 billion.
Meanwhile, Singapore's foreign direct investment into Vietnam amounted to nearly US$10.2 million (S$13.05 million) in 2024, making Singapore the largest investor that year.
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