President Lương Cường Attends “Vietnam Day” in Gyeongju

Gyeongju, The Gulf Observer: The “Vietnam Day” event not only celebrated the culture, history, and people of Việtnam but also underscored the enduring friendship and mutual understanding that underpin the sustainable cooperation between Việtnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK), State President Lương Cường said on Thursday.

The President made the remarks while attending “Vietnam Day,” co-organised in Gyeongju by Gyeongsangbuk province, the Saemaul Undong Foundation, and the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK, marking the 20th anniversary of the internationalisation of the Saemaul Undong (New Village) Movement.

President Cường, who is visiting the RoK to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, highlighted the deep cultural affinities and shared values that serve as a foundation for the strong and evolving partnership between the two nations.

Reviewing more than three decades of diplomatic relations, he noted that the Việt Nam–RoK partnership has become a model of comprehensive and substantive cooperation, particularly since being elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2022.

He emphasised that both countries enjoy strong political trust and shared development goals. The RoK remains one of Việt Nam’s leading economic partners, while collaboration in defence, security, and local-level exchanges continues to deepen. He also commended Gyeongju city and Gyeongsangbuk province for their significant contributions to bilateral achievements.

Praising Gyeongju as a city that harmoniously blends rich cultural heritage with modern industrial strength, President Cường described it as a major growth engine in the RoK’s eastern region. He noted the many similarities and shared aspirations between Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk, and various Vietnamese localities, expressing confidence that they can become trusted partners in advancing sustainable development for mutual benefit.

As the two countries move into a new phase of cooperation, the President pointed out vast opportunities to strengthen collaboration across politics, economics, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed his hope that “Vietnam Day” would open a new chapter in local-level cooperation, positioning Gyeongju as a “City of Friendship” and a hub for cultural, tourism, and industrial exchange between Việt Nam and the RoK’s southeastern region.

In his remarks, Gyeongsangbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo said the 20-year implementation of the Saemaul Undong Movement project with Việt Nam marks a milestone in bilateral cooperation. He noted that Gyeongju — the RoK’s ancient capital — provides a meaningful venue to celebrate two decades of partnership and to launch a new journey toward shared prosperity.

Governor Lee recalled that the historical ties between Gyeongsangbuk and Việt Nam date back over 800 years, to when descendants of Việt Nam’s Lý Dynasty settled in Bonghwa county. This historical connection, he said, has been strengthened through the Saemaul Movement, enhancing friendship between the two peoples.

Over the past two decades, Gyeongsangbuk has implemented multiple rural development projects in Việt Nam under the Saemaul spirit. Starting with a pilot initiative in Thái Nguyên province in 2005, the model has since expanded to 15 villages, improving rural infrastructure, increasing agricultural productivity, and raising local incomes.

Lee further highlighted that cooperation has expanded beyond rural development to encompass the economic, cultural, and academic spheres. With the Centre for Rural Development – Saemaul Undong at Việt Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City serving as a regional hub, both sides continue to advance research, training, and community development initiatives. He reaffirmed Gyeongsangbuk province’s commitment to accompanying Việt Nam on its path toward peace and shared prosperity.

On this occasion, President Lương Cường and Governor Lee Cheol-woo exchanged symbolic gifts — a replica of Việt Nam’s Đông Sơn bronze drum and a replica of the RoK’s Silla bell — and jointly inaugurated the “Friendship and Cooperation for the Future” symbol, marking a new milestone in the enduring friendship between the two nations.