Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn (right) and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak Sang Gil in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn hosted a reception in Hanoi on September 9 for Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak Sang Gil.

Sơn lauded the significance of the visit as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, suggesting that the two foreign ministries maintain close coordination, facilitate all-level delegation exchanges to strengthen the friendship, and mutual understanding and trust, and effectively implement existing cooperation agreements. He also called for continued collaboration at global and regional forums to contribute to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development both regionally and globally.

Pak praised Việt Nam's recent socio-economic achievements, particularly its post-COVID-19 recovery efforts. He acknowledged Việt Nam's efforts in enhancing and expanding its diplomatic relations with numerous countries worldwide, which has elevated its international stature.

Deputy Foreign Minister Phạm Thanh Bình (right) and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak Sang Gil had official talks in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

On September 10 morning, Deputy Foreign Minister Phạm Thanh Bình held talks with his DPRK counterpart Pak.

Both sides agreed to jointly prepare for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. The focus will be on increasing the exchange of delegations and exploring potential cooperation in mutually beneficial areas that align with international regulations. The discussions also covered global situations and issues of mutual interest.

Bình affirmed Việt Nam's consistent stance on valuing the traditional friendship between the two countries, a bond personally established and nurtured by President Hồ Chí Minh and President Kim Il Sung, and continually preserved, inherited and promoted by successive generations of leaders and people of both nations. He noted Việt Nam's desire to work closely with the DPRK to further develop the bilateral ties across various fields, in line with the aspirations of their people, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and beyond.

Pak stressed that relationship between the two countries has entered a new phase of development since the official Việt Nam visit by General Secretary of the Workers' Party of the DPRK and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong-un in March 2019. He affirmed the DPRK’s consistent stance on maintaining and further strengthening bilateral ties in a robust and substantive manner.

During his stay, the guest paid respect to President Hồ Chí Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi and toured several localities. — VNS