PM encourages close bond between Vietnam and RoK

At the meeting, the Korean friends expressed their satisfaction about the positive development of Vietnam – RoK relations in recent times, and said they believe in the bright prospects of the new partnership framework established by the two countries last year.

They briefed on their activities in the RoK, saying they have carried out activities to support Vietnamese expatriates in their host country, and to connect and promote bilateral cooperation in economics, labour, culture, tourism, science and technology, health, education, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as supporting Vietnam on related regional and international issues.

Affirming the close bonds between the two countries, they said they would continue to support Vietnam in its development process and at the same time serve as a bridge to further foster Vietnam – RoK relations.

Kwon Seong-teck, vice president of the Korea - Vietnam Economic and Cultural Association (KOVECA), said KOVECA will continue to do its best to connect Korean and Vietnamese businesses and localities.

KOVECA will focus on people-to-people exchanges, environmental protection and climate change response, while providing technology and experience to develop rural and agricultural development in Vietnam, Kwon said.

Meanwhile, Lee Shin-jae, chairman of the Korea - Vietnam Friendship Association (KOVIFA), said that KOVIFA encourages its businesses to invest heavily in Vietnam. The association wishes to act as a bridge not only in the cultural and social fields but also in the economic development.

PM Pham Minh Chinh for his part thanked the Korean friends for their heartfelt support and assistance they have given to Vietnam over the years. He briefed them on the close bond between Vietnam and the RoK, saying after experiencing upheavals in history both countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

Bilateral relations have since developed vigorously with many gains reaped in various fields, noted Chinh.

According to the PM, the RoK is currently Vietnam’s largest investor, second largest development cooperation and tourism partner and third largest labour and trade partner. On the basis of political trust, cultural similarities, geographical proximity, economic complementarity, and shared strategic interests, the two countries decided to upgrade their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022.

He particularly singled out people-to-people exchanges between the two countries as a pillar in bilateral relations. Currently, there are about 100,000 Korean expatriates in Vietnam, while more than 270,000 Vietnamese nationals are residing in the RoK. The two countries also have more than 80,000 Korean-Vietnamese multicultural families.

The two States and Governments always create opportunities and conditions to ensure the legal and legitimate rights and interests of the two communities, he said.

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to the relationship with the RoK and it wishes to facilitate bilateral cooperation commensurate with the new partnership framework.

He on this occasion called on Korean investors, businesses, and people to continue to show affection for Vietnam, and to invest and do business in the country, assuring that they will be treated fairly and equally, contributing to the friendship, strength and prosperity of the two countries.