President Yoon "Strengthening Cooperation with ASEAN", Vietnamese Party Secretary General "Warmly Welcomes"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the morning of the 8th, President Yoon Seok-yeol held a video call with Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to discuss ways to develop bilateral relations.

The Presidential Office stated in a press release that the two leaders exchanged views on ▲ ways to develop Korea-Vietnam relations ▲ Korea-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) cooperation ▲ major regional and international issues.

President Yoon said, "We will further strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, which is key to freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," adding, "I look forward to closely cooperating with Vietnam, the coordinator of Korea-ASEAN dialogue and a key partner in our ASEAN policy."

General Secretary Trong responded, "We actively welcome the strengthening of Korea-ASEAN cooperation," and said, "As the coordinator of Korea-ASEAN dialogue, we will play the necessary role to enhance cooperation between the two sides."

President Yoon expressed serious concern over North Korea's recent consecutive provocations and said, "We will keep the door to dialogue with North Korea open, but will firmly respond to illegal acts such as provocations according to principles," urging, "We ask Vietnam to work together so that North Korea can come to the dialogue table instead of provocations."

President Yoon said, "This year marks the very meaningful 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries," and added, "Over the past 30 years, Korea-Vietnam relations have made remarkable progress in various fields such as practical cooperation and human exchanges."

General Secretary Trong congratulated President Yoon on his inauguration and replied, "We hope that both sides will cooperate more closely in the future for the development of bilateral relations." He also officially invited President Yoon to visit Vietnam.

In response, President Yoon said, "I hope that the active exchanges of high-level officials between the two countries this year, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will lead the development of bilateral relations."

A Presidential Office official said, "The two leaders said that the bilateral relationship has become stronger through crises such as COVID-19 and supply chain restructuring," and added, "They shared the recognition that upgrading bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of the 30th anniversary this year will be a new starting point to jointly respond to future challenges."

He continued, "The two leaders referred to each other as 'in-law countries' and mentioned that many young people from the two countries marry each other."