Vietnam, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea seek stronger ties

 

 

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has affirmed Vietnam would work with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to promote bilateral cooperation in the areas that match potential and interests of each side, as well as national and international regulations, for peace and development in the region and the world.

Minh made the remarks during the talks with DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and Ri Su Yong, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party and head of its International Department, as part of his official visit to the DRPK at the invitation of Ri Yong Ho from February 12-14.

Vietnam stands ready to share its experience in national construction, socio-economic development and international integration with the DPRK at its requests, he said.

Minh also asserted Vietnam’s consistent stance on supporting dialogues in order to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as its willingness to actively contribute to the process.

For his part, Ri Yong Ho stressed his hope for stronger relationship between the DPRK and Vietnam as the two nations will celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2020.

He agreed to exchange measures to enhance the bilateral relationship suitable with the new situation.

The DPRK minister used this occasion to thank Vietnam for its stance and efforts in promoting the dialogue progress for peace, security, cooperation and development on the Korean Peninsula.

The two sides briefed each other about the socio-economic development of each country. They agreed to continue coordinating at international and regional forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the ASEAN Regional Forum, as well as international conferences and forums among political parties.

The two sides agreed to enhance the exchange of viewpoints over issues of mutual concern such as the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

At the talks with Ri Su Yong, Minh conveyed the New Year greetings from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong to the DPRK’s leader Kim Jong Un.

He affirmed that based on the consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralization of international relations, being friend and reliable partners and responsible member of the international community, the Party, Government and people of Vietnam want to maintain and promote the traditional friendship with the DPRK’s counterparts.

Minh congratulated the DPRK people on achievements that they have gained during the cause of national construction and development.

He took the occasion to invite Ri Su Yong to visit Vietnam to enhance the exchange and partnership between the two parties.

For his part, Ri Su Yong emphasised the Workers’ Party and Government’s standpoint of treasuring the traditional friendship between the two countries as well as determination to promote the bilateral ties, which was founded and nurtured by President Kim Il-sung and President Ho Chi Minh, considering it as a valuable asset that need to be preserved and upheld.

He expressed his belief that Minh’s ongoing visit will make important contributions to reinforcing and promoting the traditional friendship and partnership between the two parties.

Ri Su Yong spoke highly of important achievements that the Vietnamese people have obtained during the cause of national construction and development and in enhancing the country’s international status. He expressed his hope to visit Vietnam in the near future.

The same day, Deputy PM and FM Minh visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the DPRK.-VNA