Vietnam and ROK Agree to Further Enhance Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Seoul, The Gulf Observer: As part of his official visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK), Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn met with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. During the meeting, Prime Minister Han expressed his belief that Minister Sơn’s visit would significantly enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. Han conveyed his admiration for Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and its growing influence in the region.
Prime Minister Han emphasized that the Korean Government values its relationship with Vietnam, recognizing it as a key partner in its regional foreign policy. Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation through regular high-level exchanges, effectively implementing cooperation mechanisms, and dialogues. They discussed enhancing economic ties, collaboration in culture, education, tourism, labor, and people-to-people exchange, as well as maintaining coordination at multilateral forums and addressing regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Minister Sơn congratulated the RoK on its accomplishments and affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to furthering bilateral relations in a practical and comprehensive manner, in line with the agreements reached by their high-ranking leaders. He highlighted the implementation of the action program to realize the comprehensive strategic partnership.
Sơn also expressed gratitude for South Korea’s cooperation, which has supported Vietnam’s role as coordinator for ASEAN-RoK relations from 2021 to 2024. He called for South Korea’s support and experience sharing in organizing the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) summit, which Vietnam will host in 2025. Additionally, he sought continued support for Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea issue, stressing Vietnam’s commitment to contributing to the denuclearization process on the Korean Peninsula.
On the same day, Minister Sơn held talks with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yeol. He reiterated Vietnam’s policy of promoting substantive, comprehensive, and sustainable bilateral cooperation. Sơn urged the RoK to facilitate Vietnamese goods entering its market and assist Vietnamese firms in joining global supply chains, aiming to increase two-way trade to US$100 billion by 2025. He called for enhanced quality and expanded investments in Vietnam, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, digital transformation, green transition, renewable energy, and high technology. He also sought more favorable loans for key infrastructure and climate change projects, deeper cooperation in labor, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchange, and more scholarships for Vietnamese students.
Minister Cho pledged to maintain close cooperation with the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership action program. He encouraged Vietnam to create a favorable environment for Korean investors and enhance supply chain cooperation in essential minerals, LNG power plants, and hydrogen production. Cho praised Vietnam’s role as coordinator of ASEAN-RoK relations and both ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the East Sea. They emphasized resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
