Vietnam, RoK talk ways to reinforce strategic cooperative partnership

During online talks held on July 22, the two government leaders consented to working closely together, maintaining all-level exchanges to bolster joint work across multiple fields, whilst also holding exchanges between citizens of both countries. They also pledged to regularly discuss key issues regarding bilateral ties moving forward.

Furthermore, both sides were able to reach a consensus on achieving the goal of elevating two-way trade to US$100 billion in a balanced manner, including facilitating popular Vietnamese exports, such as agro-forestry-fishery products and seasonal fruits.

The nation therefore encourages and creates favourable conditions for RoK firms to continue expanding and shifting investment to the country, while actively assisting those negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Chinh said.

The RoK side have also promised to continue extending the supply of official development assistance (ODA) to the nation.

In the future, both sides will look to effectively maintain bilateral labour co-operation and make it easier for Vietnamese nationals in the RoK and Korean residing in the nation to enjoy a stable and safe life, particularly amid the current pandemic. This will be done whilst ramping up several projects for the cause of national defence-security.

With regard to the fight against COVID-19, PM Chinh said Vietnam is actively implementing its vaccination programme. He suggested that the RoK continue assisting the country in receiving vaccines via the COVAX Facility at the earliest possible opportunity, whilst also sharing vaccine supplies.

The pair promised to direct relevant agencies to share their experience and work closely together on the research and transfer of vaccine production technology. They also pledged to vaccinate foreign citizens, including those from the two countries.  

With regard to regional and global issues of shared concern, they committed to boosting collaboration at future multilateral forums.

Both sides shared their joint vision on ensuring security, maritime safety, and freedom in the East Sea, as well as maintaining an environment of peace and stability and settling disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This should be done while seriously implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards the early signing of an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).