VN leaders receive RoK Foreign Minister
State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has affirmed that the development of Vietnam – Republic of Korea (RoK) ties is a common determination from the grassroots to high levels in Vietnam.
During a reception in Hanoi on June 23 for RoK Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong, Phuc suggested the two countries’ foreign ministries and agencies maintain all-level exchanges, uphold initiatives to overcome difficulties caused by the pandemic, and further expand and diversify the RoK’s investment in Vietnam.
He asked for effectively tapping the potential of cooperation in investment, trade, science-technology, culture-education, and urged the RoK to offer more support to the Vietnamese community in the country, including popularising Vietnam’s culture and language teaching.
Thanking the RoK for providing valuable assistance for Vietnam in the fight against COVID-19, Phuc wished that the RoK would share its experience in vaccine production and medical resources with the country.
President Phuc voiced Vietnam and ASEAN’s stance on maintaining peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom, and settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Minister Chung expressed his delight at visiting Vietnam on the occasion of the Asia - Europe Meeting (ASEM) High-level Policy Dialogue in commemoration of ASEM’s 25th founding anniversary in Hanoi.
Describing Vietnam as a strategic and major partner in the RoK’s New Southern Policy, he said the RoK wishes to further bolster coordination with Vietnam in all areas to meet aspirations of the the two countries' people.
Speaking highly of Vietnam’s important contributions in the region and the world, especially this year when it serves as coordinator of ASEAN – RoK relations for the 2021-2024 period, he expressed his wish for closer connections with Vietnam to push forward ties between the RoK and ASEAN member states, including the Greater Mekong Sub-region.
The guest stated that the RoK Foreign Ministry is ready to work closely with Vietnam at multilateral forums and on issues of shared concern. He also wished that Vietnam would make further contributions to promoting dialogue and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula.
While receiving the RoK diplomat the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said both sides need to continue strengthening political trust to promote other cooperation fields that match their potential.
He suggested fulfilling the goal of lifting two-way trade to US$100 billion in a balanced, sustainable and effective manner, with priority given to the import of Vietnamese goods of strength such as farm produce and fruits.
The Vietnamese Government encourages and creates favourable conditions for RoK firms to expand investment in Vietnam, especially in digital transformation, manufacturing and processing, renewable energy and medicine, he said.
Minister Chung affirmed that the RoK Government always considers Vietnam a strategic and major partner in its New Southern Policy Plus, and stays ready to boost bilateral ties towards building a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
He proposed enhancing collaboration in investment, trade, defence industry and people-to-people exchange, and working closely together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year.
