By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Gangjin County in South Jeolla Province recently visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea and met with Ambassador Vu Ho to discuss ways to promote friendly cooperation and expand practical exchanges between the two regions.

According to Gangjin County on Nov. 10, the visit was attended by five officials, including County Mayor Gang Jin-won and Gangjin County Culture and Tourism Foundation CEO Kim Ki-tae. Four representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea were also present, including Ambassador Vu Ho and Counselor Nguyen Dinh Dung.

In 2013, Gangjin County signed an international friendship and exchange agreement with Phung Hiep District, Hau Giang Province, in southwestern Vietnam. For over a decade, the county has maintained an exchange relationship, engaging in diverse exchange projects, including private-sector volunteer work, medical support, seasonal labor programs, and study abroad programs.

During the meeting, Mayor Gang Jin-won actively emphasized the need to expand exchanges with Vietnam, reflecting the ongoing exchange projects with Gangjin County and the growing Vietnamese population inflow into the county.

The Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea expressed his willingness to actively support the establishment of a cooperative relationship with Can Tho Municipality at the embassy level, fostering mutual cooperation and development between the two local governments.

In particular, Governor Kang said, "Gangjin County's exchanges with Vietnam are becoming increasingly important due to the increased influx of Vietnamese students and seasonal workers," and added, "I hope that this meeting with the Vietnamese ambassador to Korea will serve as an opportunity to expand the exchange relationship between the two local governments in various areas, including education, labor, and culture."