The top legislators of Vietnam and the Republic of Korea voice their support for upgrading ties between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership during talks in Seoul on December 13, 2021. (Photo: VNA)

The upgrade will be made when Vietnam and Korea celebrate the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2022, they said.

The top legislators agreed to raise two-way trade to 100 billion USD by 2023 and 150 billion USD by 2030.

Vietnam and the RoK will exchange experience in the COVID-19 fight, and enhance cooperation in the research and transfer of vaccine and drug production technologies, and other medial supplies.

The RoK will help Vietnam build a national centre for disease control, with capital from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).

The leaders also consented to increase activities promoting Vietnamese and Korean culture and arts in the respective countries.

Speaker Park said the RoK considers Vietnam a key partner in its New Southern Policy.

The two leaders agreed to continue the close cooperation between the two countries at multilateral forums; further support and share joint visions on ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea); maintain an environment of peace, stability and legal order; and address disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).