HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam always wants to strengthen and develop the traditional friendship with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said during his reception for DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho in Hà Nội on Saturday. 

"The Vietnamese Government and people are ready to conduct exchanges and co-operate with the DPRK Government and people in all aspects for the interests of both countries and in line with international law and the era’s general trend, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world," the PM said.

He discussed with the guest the Đổi Mới policy of Việt Nam and measures to implement the policy under the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) over the past 30 years, including the building of the socialist-oriented market economy and improvement of the people’s living conditions.

He added that "Việt Nam is willing to share experience with the DPRK in expanding external economic ties, attracting investment and developing tourism."

The PM welcomed the positive developments in the Korean Peninsula, particularly outcomes of summits between the DPRK and the US and the Republic of Korea in the past.

He expressed the wish that the DPRK and concerned parties would make the best use of opportunities for dialogue and be flexible in implementing reached agreements so as to achieve substantial progress in the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. 

PM Phúc said Việt Nam was ready to make active contributions to the dialogue process between the DPRK and related parties.

Ri Yong-ho affirmed the consistent stance of the Party and Government of the DPRK on continuing to strengthen and develop the traditional friendship with Việt Nam, which is a valuable asset fostered by President Kim Il-sung and President Hồ Chí Minh. 

He said the DPRK wanted to bolster exchanges and co-operation with Việt Nam in fields that meet each country’s needs and strengths.

The FM said the DPRK was working to popularise the new strategic guideline set by President Kim Jong-un and adopted by the 3rd meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which focuses on economic development.

According to the minister, in order to build a peaceful environment for economic development, President Kim Jong-un has recently intensified external activities with related countries. 

He wished the Vietnamese people great achievements in implementing the guidelines of the 12th National Congress of the Communist Party of Việt Nam. — VNS