Seoul (VNA)🌄 - Consistent with foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralisation, and diversification, Vietnam values its relationship with the Republic of Korea (RoK) and seeks to further deepen substantive, effective cooperation commensurate with the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed.

During a meeting on August 10 in Seoul with 100 representatives from the RoK’s intellectuals, associations, people’s organisations, businesses, and non-governmental organisations operating in Vietnam, the Vietnamese leader expressed his gratitude to Korean friendship, economic, cultural associations, universities, research institutes, individuals, and NGOs for their significant contributions to nurturing the Vietnam–RoK relationship. He emphasised that in recent years, bilateral relations have developed broadly and achieved encouraging results across all fields, positively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. Vietnam and the RoK have become each other's leading partners in many sectors. This RoK visit underscores Vietnam’s strong determination to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with the country, aiming for higher political trust, closer strategic coordination, more substantive and comprehensive cooperation, and stronger people-to-people bonds, he noted. The Party chief expressed deep appreciation for the goodwill and support offered by Korean organisations, enterprises, research institutes, and friends of Vietnam, and expressed confidence that bilateral ties will continue to flourish.

At the meeting, Korean delegates praised Vietnam’s remarkable development, welcomed the increasingly close and comprehensive strategic partnership, and pledged ongoing support to help Vietnam’s development and to act as a bridge further strengthening Vietnam–RoK relations. Chang Ho-ick, Chairman of the Association of People Loving Vietnam in the RoK (VESAMO), shared that over the past 20 years, his association has conducted numerous charitable activities supporting victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and awarding scholarships to poor but studious students across Vietnam. He affirmed that with sincere affection for Vietnam, every member of the association will always stand with and accompany the Vietnamese people. Professor and translator Ahn Kyong-hwan expressed his pride in his lifelong bond with the resilient Vietnamese nation. He noted that Vietnam’s history of nation-building and defence has forged a strong sense of independence, self-reliance, and national values. He highlighted that since the launch of Doi moi (Renewal) in 1986, foreign investment and exports have surged, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, although foreign enterprises still face challenges, especially in administrative procedures. Professor Ahn said he believes that Vietnam is undergoing another “August Revolution,” a large-scale institutional reform aimed at streamlining administrative management, comparable in scale to the August Revolution of 1945. He expressed confidence that efforts to streamline government and organise a two-tier local administration will succeed. Chairman of the RoK – Vietnam Friendship Association Lee Shin-jae said the association takes pride in supporting the bilateral relationship’s growth through projects such as building infrastructure and equipment for schools, vocational centres for people with disabilities and orphans in disadvantaged areas, disaster relief, scholarships for poor Vietnamese students, support for the Vietnamese community in the RoK, and fostering economic and scientific cooperation. He stressed that with a foundation of friendship and mutual trust, the Korean and Vietnamese peoples can overcome any challenges and work together toward a prosperous future. On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son presented the Vietnam’s Friendship Order to Chang Ho-ick in recognition of his outstanding contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between the people of Vietnam and the RoK in culture, education, economy, and humanitarian aid./.