Yoon Utilizes Blue House for Second Time on Diplomatic Stage... Tea Talk with Vietnamese President at Sangchunjae

President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee Explain the Meaning of Sangchunjae to President Phuc
First Lady Kim: "Please Pay Attention to Vietnam Visa Issues"... President Phuc: "We Will Do Our Best for the Convenience of Koreans"
Presidential Office: "Minimizing Visitor Inconvenience During Major National Events While Utilizing the Blue House"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 6th, President Yoon Suk-yeol held a friendly talk with Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of Vietnam, at Sangchunjae in the Blue House. Following a dinner at the Blue House State Guest House the previous day with President Phuc, who made his first state visit since President Yoon’s inauguration, the Blue House facilities were utilized as a diplomatic venue for two consecutive days.

Presidential Office Deputy Spokesperson Lee Jae-myung stated in a written briefing that President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee had a friendly talk with Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc for about 30 minutes at Sangchunjae in the afternoon.

As he entered Sangchunjae, President Yoon said, "Sangchunjae was built 40 years ago (April 1983), and its name means 'a house where spring always dwells.' Since my inauguration, I have opened the Blue House to the public so that all citizens can visit in front of Sangchunjae. Fortunately, today is a closed day for the Blue House, so we were able to host the President here."

First Lady Kim also introduced, "When this building was first constructed, pine trees over 200 years old were used."

President Phuc, while inspecting Sangchunjae, said, "I feel the tradition of Korean-style architecture." He added, "I deeply appreciate the Korean friends who believe in Vietnam’s potential and have helped Vietnam’s development through substantial investments. I am confident that the two countries will become the best partners in Asia, with many opportunities for cooperation not only in the economy but also in various fields such as defense."

President Yoon responded, "I am very pleased and grateful that President Phuc visited Korea on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Vietnam. I believe that the President’s visit will serve as a stepping stone for the bilateral relationship to advance and develop into a comprehensive strategic partnership."

First Lady Kim asked President Phuc, "I have seen media reports that many Koreans traveling to or working in Vietnam have been experiencing difficulties with visa issues recently. I kindly ask you to look into this matter with interest." In response, President Phuc said, "I have heard the First Lady’s words well and will do my best for the convenience of Korean nationals."

President Phuc conveyed, "My wife could not come this time, so I was unable to spend time with First Lady Kim. It is very regrettable and unfortunate." First Lady Kim replied, "Although I am sorry not to meet your wife this time, I will write a letter expressing my hope to meet her next year," and added, "Please deliver the gift I prepared for her well." President Yoon and the First Lady presented a soban (small traditional Korean table) and cosmetics as gifts to President Phuc and his wife during their state visit.

Deputy Spokesperson Lee explained regarding the use of Sangchunjae, "Following the Blue House State Guest House, the use of Sangchunjae for state events is, as introduced yesterday, to inherit history and tradition and to practically reuse the space." He added, "We plan to continue utilizing Blue House venues for important national events within the scope of minimizing inconvenience to visitors."