"President-elect Yoon Talks with Vietnamese President Today... Xi Jinping and Putin Yet to Connect"

Kim Eun-hye Elected Representative Spokesperson Briefing
"Discussing Cooperation Plans with Vietnamese President"
"China Usually Communicates at Presidential Level"

President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol is reviewing documents at the transition committee secretariat office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, during the transition committee secretariat meeting on the morning of the 22nd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol will have a phone call with Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of Vietnam, on the afternoon of the 23rd to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the President-elect, announced at the regular briefing of the Presidential Transition Committee in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, that President-elect Yoon is scheduled to have a phone call with President Phuc in the afternoon.

Spokesperson Kim said, "Vietnam is an ally that has maintained a relationship of trust with our country despite COVID-19 and global supply chain disruptions," adding, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and the bilateral relationship has been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership."

She continued, "Vietnam holds an important position in the Korea-ASEAN partnership," explaining, "It also serves as the coordinator for ASEAN dialogue."

However, regarding a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, no arrangements have been made.

In response to a question about whether a call with President Xi is planned as Korea-China diplomatic relations also mark their 30th anniversary, Spokesperson Kim said, "As President-elect, phone calls with heads of state are made not based on the milestone of the 30th anniversary but to explore the direction of bilateral development and to coordinate schedules with the other leaders," adding, "Traditionally, China does not make phone calls with the President-elect but sends congratulatory messages."

She added, "When assuming the presidency, phone calls with the Chinese president have been made within a short period," and said, "Nevertheless, we are hearing positive feedback on the new trust-based diplomacy we will pursue with various countries from multiple perspectives. I will inform you once a conclusion is reached."

Regarding plans for a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Spokesperson Kim said, "It is not at a stage to be mentioned."