By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is in Vientiane, Laos, for the ASEAN-related summit, held talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Oct. 10.
 

The President expressed his pleasure that bilateral relations are developing day by day in line with the 'comprehensive strategic partnership' based on active high-level exchanges, and hoped that the two countries will build on their close cooperation achievements and further expand strategic and forward-looking cooperation in multi-layered fields.

Prime Minister Chinh said Vietnam will do its best to continue to develop the bilateral relationship, which is at its best, and thanked the ROK government for its prompt provision of US$2 million in humanitarian assistance to help Vietnam overcome the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi recently, saying it is a testament to the ties and friendship between the two countries.

The President called for continued close cooperation to revitalize trade, with the goal of reaching $150 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. He also requested Vietnam's continued interest and support for Korean companies to operate and expand in the country, and hoped that opportunities for Korean companies to participate in Vietnam's infrastructure projects, such as high-speed rail and LNG power generation, would continue to be created. 

In response, PM Chinh said he would pay close attention to ensuring that businesses from South Korea, a key investor in Vietnam, can operate smoothly in Vietnam.

The President thanked Vietnam for its bold initiatives and support for the Korean government's efforts to denuclearize and peacefully reunify the Korean Peninsula. 

The President also praised the role of Vietnam, a key partner in ASEAN, in the elevation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and Korea, and urged Prime Minister Chinh to continue to work closely with Vietnam and ASEAN to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and Korea.