SINGAPORE] Singapore has upgraded its bilateral relations with Vietnam to the highest tier of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) on Wednesday (Mar 12), marking the first such tie between the city-state and an Asean member state.

The upgrade came three days after Vietnam similarly elevated Indonesia to the highest tier in its diplomatic hierarchy.

The two nations now have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Singapore's first such partnership with an ASEAN member state.

Singapore and Vietnam on Wednesday (March 12) have agreed to enhance co-operation in subsea cables, finance, and energy, marking an upgrade in their relations to Vietnam's highest level, during a visit by its Communist Party Chief To Lam to the city-state.

The two nations' deepened cooperation will focus on key areas including security, technology, and green energy.

Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary To Lam held talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in the city state on March 12, in which they agreed to upgrade the bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.