HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh has said Việt Nam will work with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to promote bilateral co-operation in areas that match the interests of each side, as well as on national and international regulations, for peace and development in the region and the world.

Minh made the remarks during talks with DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and Ri Su Yong, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party and head of its International Department, as part of his official visit to the DRPK at the invitation of Ri Yong Ho from February 12-14.

Việt Nam stands ready to share its experience in national construction, socio-economic development and international integration with the DPRK at its requests, he said.

Minh also emphasised Việt Nam’s consistent support for dialogues to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as its willingness to actively contribute to the process.

For his part, Ri Yong Ho stressed his hope for a stronger relationship between the DPRK and Việt Nam as the two nations will celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2020.

He agreed to exchange suitable measures to enhance the relationship.

The DPRK minister used the occasion to thank Việt Nam for its efforts in promoting dialogues for peace, security, co-operation and development on the Korean Peninsula.

The two sides briefed each other about the socio-economic development of each country. They agreed to continue co-ordinating at international and regional forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the ASEAN Regional Forum, as well as international conferences and forums among political parties.

The two sides agreed to enhance the exchange of viewpoints over issues of mutual concern such as the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

At the talks with Ri Su Yong, Minh conveyed New Year’s greetings from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) Central Committee and President Nguyễn Phú Trọng to the DPRK’s leader Kim Jong-un.

He said that based on the consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, co-operation and development, diversification and multilateralisation of international relations, and being a reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, the Party, Government and people of Việt Nam want to maintain and promote the traditional friendship with their DPRK counterparts.

Minh congratulated the DPRK people on achievements they have gained towards the cause of national construction and development.

He took the occasion to invite Ri Su Yong to visit Việt Nam to enhance the partnership between the two parties. Ri Su Yong emphasised the Workers’ Party and Government’s focus on of treasuring the friendship between the two countries as well as their determination to promote bilateral ties, which was founded and nurtured by President Kim Il-sung and President Hồ Chí Minh. Ri Su Yong said he considered the friendship a valuable asset that need to be preserved and upheld. He expressed his belief that Minh’s ongoing visit will make important contributions to reinforcing and promoting the partnership between the two parties.

Ri Su Yong spoke highly of important achievements that the Vietnamese people have obtained in national construction and development and in enhancing the country’s international status. He expressed his hope to visit Việt Nam in the near future.

The same day, Deputy PM and FM Minh visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the DPRK. — VNS