[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] Foreign Minister Park Jin proposed elevating the bilateral relationship with Vietnam, which marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He also requested support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the 18th (local time), Minister Park met with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son to discuss bilateral relations, ways to enhance Korea-ASEAN relations, major regional issues including the Korean Peninsula issue, and the international situation.
During the meeting, the two ministers agreed to elevate the relationship and formalize it at the next high-level exchange opportunity. They evaluated that over the past 30 years, the two countries have developed the best cooperative relationship across various fields.
They also shared the need for joint responses to the increasing uncertainties in international political and economic situations. Accordingly, they agreed to strengthen cooperation in various areas where both countries share understanding, such as economic security including supply chains, digital transformation, climate change response, negotiations on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and cooperation in the healthcare sector.
Regarding North Korea's recent successive provocations, they agreed that these pose a serious threat to peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula and in the region but also to the international community. In particular, Minister Park explained the South Korean government's efforts for North Korea's denuclearization, including the "Bold Initiative," and requested Vietnam's continued support and cooperation for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
They also evaluated that despite difficult conditions such as COVID-19, they have maintained a solid practical cooperative relationship in the economic field and agreed to strive to develop practical cooperation in a more mutually beneficial and future-oriented manner.
Minister Park explained the South Korean government's efforts to host the 2030 Busan World Expo and requested Vietnam's support. In response, Minister Son said he would actively consider it.
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