Ambassador Vinh made the statement in an interview granted to the media ahead of Party General Secretary To Lam’s Oct. 9 – 11 state visit to Pyongyang where the leader will also engage in activities celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. He said the visit marks not only a significant diplomatic event, but also a meaningful milestone in the long-standing traditional friendship between the two countries.

“This is a vivid testament to the enduring, loyal friendship between the two Parties, two States, and peoples of Vietnam and the DPRK,” he stated.

Built on a strong foundation of 75 years of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Vinh affirmed that both sides have continuously worked to preserve, inherit, and strengthen this special relationship, from the early days of national liberation struggles to the current phase of nation-building and development.

Back in 1950, on January 31, Vietnam and the DPRK officially established diplomatic relations. The DPRK was one of the first three countries, along with China and the Soviet Union, to recognise the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The DPRK’s support was not just symbolic. During Vietnam’s resistance wars, it provided significant assistance, including funding, personnel, and diplomatic recognition of southern Vietnamese revolutionary institutions.

Following the war, Vietnam responded in kind with multiple rounds of humanitarian aid, including tens of thousands of tonnes of rice, further deepening the bonds between the two peoples. These historical moments have laid a solid foundation of trust and solidarity that continues to shape bilateral cooperation today.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Vinh said, both countries have maintained frequent exchanges of high-level and working-level delegations, expanding cooperation through Party, State, and people-to-people channels. Landmark visits, such as President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to the DPRK in 1957, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong’s visit to the DPRK in 1961, Chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Premier Kim Il-sung’s visit to Vietnam in 1958, and most recently, the Workers' Party of Korea General Secretary Kim Jong Un’s visit to Vietnam in 2019, have reinforced the enduring friendship. The current visit by General Secretary To Lam is seen as a continuation of this rich tradition.

More than a symbolic gesture, this visit offers an opportunity for the top leaders of both countries to engage in in-depth discussions on major directions and measures to promote bilateral ties in a practical and effective manner, aligned with the interests and aspirations of both peoples. The visit also reflects Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification, demonstrating that Vietnam is a trusted, responsible partner of the international community.

The timing of the visit is particularly significant, according to the ambassador. Vietnam has just celebrated key milestones in 2025, including the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, 50 years of national reunification, 80 years since the August Revolution, and National Day on September 2. Vietnam is also conducting a review of 40 years of Đổi Mới (Renewal) and preparing for the 14th National Party Congress. Meanwhile, the DPRK is finalising preparations for the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party and laying the groundwork for its 9th Party Congress.

Beyond the political and diplomatic realms, he said, cooperation in culture, sports, people-to-people exchanges, and agriculture has grown increasingly vibrant. These areas not only help to foster mutual understanding but also reflect the practical nature of bilateral relations. The two sides regularly exchange knowledge and experiences in fields where both have strengths and shared interests.

“With the achievements we’ve made, I firmly believe that the Vietnam–DPRK relations will continue to be preserved, inherited, and vigorously promoted. Our time-honoured friendship will reach new heights, contributing meaningfully to the cause of national development in both countries and to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the wider world,” said the diplomat.

Party General Secretary To Lam to pay state visit to DPRK

VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam will pay a state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and attend the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, from October 9 to 11, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.