Vientiane (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Yoon Suk Yeol in Vientiane on October 10, on the occasion of their attendance at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings.

The Vietnamese government leader expressed his delight at the success of the phone talks between Party General Secretary and President To Lam and President Yoon Suk Yeol on September 3, 2024, which contributes to building close ties between Vietnamese and RoK top leaders and lays a solid foundation for comprehensive and effective cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.

He also thanked the RoK government and people for their donation worth 2 million USD to help Vietnam settle the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, saying that this is a symbol of friendship, solidarity, and close bonds between the two countries.

Regarding future cooperation orientations, the two leaders expressed their determination to further strengthen and deepen the Vietnam – RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They agreed to enhance high-level exchanges and meetings; boost defence - security cooperation; promote economic and trade collaboration by removing barriers and making it easier for goods to access each other’s market; as well as expand cooperation in new and high-potential areas such as science - technology, innovation, and research and development.

Vietnam will continue to create favourable conditions for Korean investors to conduct long-term business in the Southeast Asian nation, Chinh stated.

He called on the RoK side to continue opening its market to Vietnamese exports, especially agricultural products; and provide preferential loans for Vietnam to implement large-scale and iconic infrastructure projects such as railway and expressway routes.

The Vietnamese leader applauded the RoK’s initiative to train young talents for ASEAN members, saying he hopes that the country will actively support Vietnam within the framework of this initiative.

For his part, Yoon said his country treasures its relations with Vietnam and wishes to deepen cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

He suggested Vietnam make it easier for Korean investors to join infrastructure, urban development, energy, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Vietnam, affirming that the RoK will continue to facilitate Vietnamese goods' access to the Korean market.

He also spoke highly of Vietnam's role as the coordinator of ASEAN-RoK relationship in 2021-2024 and the country’s support for elevating the relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two leaders agreed to continue coordinating closely at multilateral forums, and actively and responsibly contributing to addressing common regional and global issues.

Yoon emphasised his support for Vietnam's and ASEAN's viewpoint and perception on the East Sea issue, particularly abiding by international law and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam consistently supports the process of peace and denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, and stands ready to act as a bridge to promote dialogue among the parties, contributing to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

He took the occasion to extend an invitation to his Korean counterpart Han Duck Soo to make an official visit to Vietnam and attend the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in 2025./ꦅ.