Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) have reached consensus on a number of measures to further deepen the two countries’ strategic partnership in the near future.

The agreement was reached at the talks between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and the RoK's President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul on Mar. 28.

The two leaders agreed to continue the exchange of delegations and high-ranking leaders to enhance trust and mutual understanding, increase dialogue and practical cooperation in diplomacy, national defence and security, and work closely together to host activities to mark Vietnam – RoK Friendship Year, strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

In addition to deepening cooperation in trade and investment, the two sides consented to gradually reduce Vietnam’s trade surplus from the RoK, and promptly complete procedures to launch negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement.

The RoK considers Vietnam as the leading partner in development and investment, Lee said.

He added that the RoK will consider Vietnam’s cooperative proposals on trade, development assistance, science and technology, education and training, transport, agriculture and construction, including a project on building an express railway linking HCM City and Can Tho city, a hi-tech park in Can Tho city and expanding the National Highway linking the north and the south.

They agreed to continue enhancing cooperation in labour and vocational training, dealing with relevant issues and providing support and protection for Overseas Vietnamese, including the community of Vietnamese brides in the RoK.

Both sides also agreed to work closely at international forums.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese Finance Ministry and the RoK Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the construction of a hi-tech park and a cooperative agreement between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the RoK Ministry of Knowledge Economy on cooperating in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.-VNA