DPM PM, FM Minh holds talks with Korean FM

VGP – Viet Nam always attaches importance to the relationship with the Republic of Korea (RoK), expecting the RoK to strengthen development cooperation, promote free trade, regional connection and maintain peace, security and stability in the region and the world.

March 10, 2018 4:47 PM GMT+7

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh (R) and KoK FM Kang Kyung-wha shake hands at the Government Guest House in Ha Noi on March 9, 2018. Photo: VGP

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh made that statement at his talks with Korean FM Kang Kyung-wha Ha Noi in March 9.

During the friendly and sincere talks, the two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral ties over the past time, especially since the two countries established strategic partnership in 2009, discussed ways to further foster the Viet Nam- RoK relations , exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concerns.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular high-ranking delegation exchanges and contacts to enhance mutual understanding and consolidate political trust in order to facilitate cooperation in various fields, including cooperation between the two foreign ministries.

Deputy PM Minh welcomed RoK’s investment in mega infrastructure projects, equitizing State-owned enterprises, and restructuring commercial banks in Viet Nam.

He asked the Korean side to conduct necessary procedures to facilitate import of Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products such as star apple, rambutan, longan, lychee, and some pork and chicken products in 2018.

Deputy PM, FM Minh suggested the RoK boost technology transfer, help Vietnamese firms to take part in production chains of the Korean businesses which are investing in Viet Nam, and support the establishment and operation of a Viet Nam-RoK technology transfer center .

He also called for early re-signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on manpower cooperation and beefing up the organization of the 3^rd round of negotiations on a judicial assistance agreement in civil and trade matters to create a legal basis for resolving issues relating to their citizens.

The Vietnamese leader expected the RoK to ease visa granting to Vietnamese citizens and open new direct air routes between the two countries.

Regarding international and regional issues, both sides agreed to continue close and effective coordination at multilateral mechanisms like the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, Mekong-RoK.

They applauded efforts to promote dialogues and peaceful settlement of nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and voiced support for maintaining peace, security, stability and peaceful resolution of disputes in the East Sea in line with international law.

Deputy PM Minh took the occasion to congratulate the RoK on its successful organization of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics, which contributed to peaceful and sustainable dialogue in the Korean Peninsula.

FM Kang Kyung-wha said that the RoK is deploying New Look South policy, in which regards Viet Nam as key partner, thus the RoK hopes to deepen the relationship with Viet Nam.

The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue close coordination with the Vietnamese side to realize high-level agreements more effectively to further heighten the two nations’ Strategic Partnership, she affirmed./.

By Thuy Dung