Hanoi (VNA) – State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc hasaffirmed that the development of Vietnam – Republic of Korea (RoK) ties is acommon determination from the grassroots to high levels in Vietnam.
During a reception in Hanoi on June 23 for RoK Minister ofForeign Affairs Chung Eui-yong, Phuc suggested the two countries’ foreignministries and agencies maintain all-level exchanges, uphold initiatives toovercome difficulties caused by the pandemic, and further expand and diversify the RoK’s investment in Vietnam.
The host asked for effectively tapping the potential ofcooperation in investment, trade, science-technology, culture-education, and urged the RoK to offer more support to the Vietnamese community in thecountry, including popularising Vietnam’s culture and language teaching.
Thanking the RoK for providing valuable assistance for Vietnam inthe fight against COVID-19, Phuc wished that the RoK would share its experiencein vaccine production and medical resources with the country.
He expressed appreciation for the RoK’s support to Vietnam tofulfil its roles as rotating ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of theUnited Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, adding that the twocountries need to work closely together during the time when Vietnam serves ascoordinator of ASEAN – RoK relations in 2021-2024.
President Phuc voiced Vietnam and ASEAN’s stance onmaintaining peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom, andsettling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with internationallaw, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Minister Chungexpressed his delight at visiting Vietnam on the occasion of the Asia - EuropeMeeting (ASEM) High-level Policy Dialogue in commemoration of ASEM’s 25thfounding anniversary in Hanoi.
Describing Vietnam asa strategic and major partner in the RoK’s New Southern Policy Plus, he said the RoKwishes to further bolster coordination with Vietnam in all areas to meetaspirations of the the two countries' people.
On the occasion, hethanked Vietnam for creating favourable conditions for Korean experts and firmsto do business in the country, and hoped that they would receive more support to effectively tap intobilateral economic and trade ties in the near future.
Speaking highly ofVietnam’s important contributions in the region and the world, especially thisyear when it serves as coordinator of ASEAN – RoK relations for the2021-2024 period, he expressed his wish for closer connections with Vietnam to push forward ties between the RoK and ASEAN member states,including the Greater Mekong Sub-region.
The guest stated that the RoK ForeignMinistry is ready to work closely with Vietnam at multilateral forums and onissues of shared concern.
He also wished that Vietnamwould make further contributions to promoting dialogue and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula./.