Seoul (VNA) - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam's state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) from August 10 - 13 will open up new strategic opportunities, not only for bilateral relations but also contribute to promoting a balanced, stable, and sustainable regional cooperation structure, according to a Korean researcher.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency’s correspondents in Seoul ahead of the visit, Professor Choe Wongi, Head of the Centre for ASEAN – Indian Studies at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA), emphasised that Vietnam is a key partner in the RoK's foreign policy towards Southeast Asia, especially within the framework of the Korea - ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI).
According to the professor, although the RoK has recently undergone a political power transition, the new administration under President Lee Jae Myung remains committed to maintaining strategic priorities with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Vietnam plays a central role.
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, he assessed.
Regarding economic and technological cooperation in the context of global competition, Choe noted that both nations are facing an urgent need to reshape their collaboration strategies to respond to global shifts, particularly the rise of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and biotechnology.
The scholar proposed Vietnam work with the RoK to establish a next-generation technology cooperation platform that goes beyond consumer products. Human resources training and technology transfer will be the key for both countries to move up the global value chain, he said.
In addition to bilateral benefits, the expert also noted ASEAN’s centrality is being challenged amidst regional instability and strategic competition among major powers. He suggested the two countries play an active role in shaping a balanced power structure, promoting a rules-based regional order, and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the East Sea - a vital maritime route for the Korean economy.
Choe also stressed that the Vietnamese Party chief’s visit comes at a right time and can lay the foundation for a deeper and more comprehensive phase of strategic cooperation between the RoK and Vietnam, making a positive contribution to regional stability and prosperity./.
Party leader’s visit to RoK has perfect timing: Ambassador
Ambassador Vu Ho called Party General Secretary To Lam's visit a diplomatic milestone - the first time a Party chief of Vietnam is welcomed as a state guest immediately after a new Korean president assumes office.
