Yoon: "North Korean Nuclear Threat is the Most Urgent"... Strengthening Cooperation with Vietnam

Summit with Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of Vietnam... "Will Cooperate for Peace and Stability in Security and Defense"

President Yoon Suk-yeol and Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of Vietnam, are shaking hands at the Korea-Vietnam summit held on the afternoon of the 5th at the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol and Vietnamese State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc agreed on the 5th to cooperate in diplomacy, security, defense industry, and supply chain between the two countries. In particular, they plan to strengthen cooperation by forming a joint front against North Korea's nuclear threat.

After the Korea-Vietnam summit with President Phuc, who visited Korea, at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon, President Yoon said in a joint press release, "President Phuc and I had an in-depth discussion today on the development direction of Korea-Vietnam relations."

At the meeting, President Yoon emphasized, "The two countries will cooperate together to establish peace and stability in the region," adding, "We have agreed to review ways to enhance and develop the effectiveness of the existing diplomatic and security strategic dialogue." Regarding cooperation on responding to North Korea's nuclear threat, President Yoon pointed out that North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles are the most urgent threats in the region. He added, "To lead a united response from the international community, Korea and Vietnam will further strengthen their cooperation."

President Yoon also evaluated Vietnam as a key partner in the 'Indo-Pacific Strategy' and the 'Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative.' He said, "To foster freedom, peace, and prosperity in the region, Korea and Vietnam will always work together," and "We will closely cooperate with Vietnam, the dialogue coordinator, to strengthen Korea-ASEAN and Korea-Mekong cooperation." President Phuc reportedly expressed active support for Korea's vision as a global pivotal state.

Furthermore, President Yoon stated, "Our government will actively support Vietnam's capacity building in maritime law enforcement to contribute to regional maritime security and expand defense industry cooperation with Vietnam," and "We will also promote economic cooperation so that companies from both countries can further activate trade and investment, with active government support."

Finally, President Yoon mentioned that he requested President Phuc's support for the 2030 World Expo bid in Busan. President Phuc reportedly responded that he would consider it positively.

Meanwhile, President Phuc is the second highest-ranking official in Vietnam after Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party. This is President Phuc's first state visit since President Yoon took office, and he visited Korea on the 4th to mark the 30th anniversary of Korea-Vietnam diplomatic relations. At the summit, President Phuc said, "Thank you for the kind and warm hospitality," and added, "Vietnam consistently values its relationship with Korea in its foreign policy," expressing, "Let us enhance our cooperative relationship to contribute to the joint prosperity of the two countries and peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world."