The Republic of Korea (RoK) will expand its cooperation with Vietnam in science and technology for 2011-2015.

Representatives of the RoK Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) affirmed this policy during their meeting with a delegation from Vietnam ’s Ministry of Science and Technology during their visit to the RoK from Aug. 8-13.

Lee Jeong Hyon, an expert from the MEST, suggested Vietnam consult the RoK’s experience in scientific and technological development.

He stressed the need for the Vietnamese Government to devise long-term programmes and focus on developing research institutes, which, he said are fundamental steps to develop science and technology.

Bae Seong Geun, Head of the International Cooperation Bureau under the MEST, said the Government and big groups and companies of the RoK regard Vietnam as an important partner in development.

During their stay in the RoK, the Vietnamese delegation also held a working session with the East Asia magazine, a leading publication in science and technology of the RoK, to exchange experience in how to attract the public’s attention to the area.

The delegation also made fact-finding tours of several universities, the Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and the Yonhap News Agency./.