Vietnamese Party leader’s RoK visit to foster balanced regional cooperation: Scholar
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
Professor Choe Wongi (R), Head of the Centre for ASEAN – Indian Studies at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA), gives an interview to the Vietnam News Agency (Photo: VNA)
Seoul (VNA) - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam's state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) from August 10 - 13 will open up new strategic opportunities, not only for bilateral relations but also contribute to promoting a balanced, stable, and sustainable regional cooperation structure, according to a Korean researcher.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency’s correspondents in Seoul ahead of the visit, Professor Choe Wongi, Head of the Centre for ASEAN – Indian Studies at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA), emphasised that Vietnam is a key partner in the RoK's foreign policy towards Southeast Asia, especially within the framework of the Korea - ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI).
According to the professor, although the RoK has recently undergone a political power transition, the new administration under President Lee Jae Myung remains committed to maintaining strategic priorities with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Vietnam plays a central role.
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, he assessed.
Regarding economic and technological cooperation in the context of global competition, Choe noted that both nations are facing an urgent need to reshape their collaboration strategies to respond to global shifts, particularly the rise of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and biotechnology.
The scholar proposed Vietnam work with the RoK to establish a next-generation technology cooperation platform that goes beyond consumer products. Human resources training and technology transfer will be the key for both countries to move up the global value chain, he said.
In addition to bilateral benefits, the expert also noted ASEAN’s centrality is being challenged amidst regional instability and strategic competition among major powers. He suggested the two countries play an active role in shaping a balanced power structure, promoting a rules-based regional order, and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the East Sea - a vital maritime route for the Korean economy.
Choe also stressed that the Vietnamese Party chief’s visit comes at a right time and can lay the foundation for a deeper and more ಞcomprehe🐷nsive phase of strategic cooperation between the RoK and Vietnam, making a positive contribution to regional stability and prosperity./.
Ambassador Vu Ho called Party General Secretary To Lam's visit a diplomatic milestone - the first time a Party chief of Vietnam is welcomed as a state guest immediately after a new Korean president assumes office.
The relationship between the Republic of Korea and Vietnam is much closer than the geographical distance. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, the two countries have continuously developed a close and mutually beneficial partnership in many areas, including politics, economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço met with the press right after concluding their talks and witnessing the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the two countries in Luanda on August 7.
State President Luong Cuong stressed the fraternal ties between Vietnam and Angola as a shared invaluable asset. It serves as a solid foundation for both countries to enter a new phase of development, further foster political trust and mutual support between the two Parties and States, and deepen the solidarity and mutual understanding between their people.
At the dialogue, both sides expressed satisfaction with the intensive and extensive development of bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.
The robust collaboration between the Vietnamese National Assembly and Japan’s National Diet, particularly between the two nations’ parliamentary friendship groups, is a hallmark of bilateral relations, contributing to deepening the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership, said NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
