 National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue began an official visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) on December 12, 2021 (photo: quochoi.vn) |
This is the first visit to the RoK by a senior Vietnamese leader since Vietnam elected its leadership for the 2021-2026 tenure. The visit takes place at a time when the two countries are intending to upgrade their ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership on the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2022.
Vietnam wants stronger ties with RoK
With a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development and as a friend, reliable partner, an active, responsible member of the international community, Vietnam respects and wants to boost ties with the RoK. Since they established diplomatic relations in 1992, the two countries have steadily strengthened their friendship and cooperation. They established a strategic cooperative partnership in 2009. The RoK is Vietnam’s top partner in most fields. Vietnam is the key partner in the RoK’s New Southern Policy.
The Vietnam-RoK Strategic Cooperative Partnership has become more effective and practical as mutual trust has been strengthened through regular contacts and exchanges between ministries, sectors and localities, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two countries are working closely to prepare for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the upgrade of their strategic cooperative partnership.
 Vu Hai Ha, Chairman of the NA’s Committee for External Affairs (photo: vtc.vn) |
Vu Hai Ha, Chairman of the NA’s Committee for External Affairs, said, 'The Speaker of the Korean NA was the first top legislator to visit Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Korean parliamentary committees want to boost cooperation with Vietnam. The friendship parliamentarian groups of the two countries have held regular exchanges.'
Economic cooperation is the highlight and the main pillar of bilateral cooperation. The Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement which took effect in December 2015, has created a basis for bilateral economic, trade, and development investment. Two-way trade increased 140 fold over the past 30 years. The RoK is Vietnam’s largest investor, 2nd largest ODA donor, and big trade partner. Vietnam is the RoK’s fourth largest trade partner.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the RoK was among the first countries to give Vietnam medical equipment and vaccines. Vietnam allowed Korean experts and managers to enter Vietnam to maintain their economic activities and prevent the disruption of supply chains.
Firm foundation for stronger cooperation
The Vietnam-RoK relationship is now stronger than ever. During Chairman Hue’s visit, leaders of the two countries will discuss the upgrade of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and ways to eliminate trade and travel barriers. They will also discuss bilateral cooperation, parliamentary and economic exchanges, people-to-people exchanges, and coordination at international forums.
Mr. Vu Hai Ha said, 'During his visit, the Vietnamese NA Chairman will reiterate Vietnam’s wish to upgrade bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This is the highest level of Vietnam’s relationship with another country. The two countries will sign a bilateral Agreement on Social Insurance, the first Vietnam has signed with any country, to protect workers’ interests.'
Chairman Hue’s visit will lay a foundation for stronger bilateral economic cooperation and contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world.