SINGAPORE —US vice-president Kamala Harris will make her first official visit to Singapore and Vietnam next month, the White House announced on Friday (July 30), adding that the trip is aimed at strengthening ties with "two critical Indo-Pacific partners".

Her visit to Singapore comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

“Vice-president Harris’ visit affirms the strength of the relationship between our two countries," said Mr Lee's press secretary.

She added that Mrs Harris will meet Singapore leaders and discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, including defence, cybersecurity, digital trade, climate change and the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Lee said he is "delighted" to welcome Mrs Harris on her first official visit to Singapore.

"I look forward to our discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation and working together on global challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change," he added.

Mrs Harris' trip to Vietnam will be the first by a US vice-president.

"President Biden and vice-president Harris have made it a top priority to rebuild our global partnerships and keep our nation secure, and this upcoming visit continues that work — deepening our engagement in Southeast Asia," the White House said in a statement.

"The vice-president will also affirm and celebrate the strong cultural and people-to-people ties between the United States and these countries." CNA

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