Vietnam, RoK top legislators back upgrading bilateral relationship hinh anh 1Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue  (left) and Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Park Byeong-Seug (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Park Byeong-Seug expressed their support for upgrading the relationship between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership during their talks in Seoul on December 13.

The bilateral relationship would be elevated to the comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties in 2022, they said.

The top legislators agreed to raise two-way trade to 100 billion USD in 2023 and 150 billion USD in 2030, and facilitate Vietnamese agro-fishery export to the RoK.

Vietnam and the RoK will exchange experience in the COVID-19 fight, and enhance cooperation in the research and transfer of vaccine and drug production technologies, and other medial supplies.

The RoK will help Vietnam build a national centre for disease control, with capital from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).

The leaders also consented to increase activities promoting Vietnamese and Korean culture and arts in the respective countries.

Park stressed that Hue’s visit is of significance, as it contributes to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, saying the RoK considers Vietnam a key partner in its New Southern Policy.

For his part, Hue said his visit is set to affirm the importance Vietnam attaches to the bilateral relationship in the context of the two countries preparing for the celebration of their diplomatic ties.

They concurred to continue with the close cooperation between the two countries at multilateral forums; further support and share joint visions on ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea; maintain an environment of peace, stability and legal order; and address disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

They also agreed to continue deepening the legislative ties, closely cooperate and support each other at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums, and advance strategic cooperative partnership to a new height.

Hue used the occasion to convey invitations of Vietnamese high-ranking leaders to the RoK Prime Minister and President to visit Vietnam.
Following the talks, the RoK NA Speaker hosted a banquet for NA Chairman Hue and his entourage./.
VNA