Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) agreed to further bilateral ties in economy, trade, investment and cooperation development at the first Vietnam-RoK deputy foreign minister-level strategic dialogue on external relations, security and national defence in Hanoi on April 26.

The Vietnamese delegation was headed by Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and the RoK delegation was led by First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Park Suk Hwan.

The two sides said that the strategic dialogue is a new development in the bilateral relationship, contributing to an enhancement of political trust.

Both sides reached unanimity in jointly organising activities to mark the 20 th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2012.

They agreed to enhance coordination at international and regional forums, particularly in the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Plus and the East Asian Summit (EAS).

The RoK side presented its viewpoint and stance on the Korean peninsula situation, inter-Korean relations and other related issues.

The Vietnamese side reaffirmed its consistent policy of supporting peace, stability and denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula as well as concerned parties’ settlement of all differences through peaceful dialogue, contributing to maintaining regional peace, stability and cooperation.

On this occasion, the RoK Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade paid courtesy visits to Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung, Minister and Director of the Government Office Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang and Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc./.