State President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (Right) presents gift to RoK Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — State President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has affirmed that the development of ties between Việt Nam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) is a common determination from grassroots to the highest levels.

During a reception in Hà Nội on Wednesday for RoK Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong, Phúc suggested the two countries’ foreign ministries and agencies maintain all-level exchanges, uphold initiatives to overcome difficulties caused by the pandemic, and further expand and diversify the RoK’s investment in Việt Nam.

The host asked for effectively tapping the potential of cooperation in investment, trade, science-technology, culture-education, and urged the RoK to offer more support to the Vietnamese community in South Korea, including popularising Việt Nam’s culture and language teaching.

Thanking the RoK for providing valuable assistance for Việt Nam in the fight against COVID-19, Phuc wished that the RoK would share its experience in vaccine production and medical resources.

He expressed appreciation for the RoK’s support for Việt Nam to fulfil its roles as rotating ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, adding that the two countries need to work closely together when Việt Nam serves as coordinator of ASEAN – RoK relations in 2021-2024.

President Phúc reiterated Việt Nam and ASEAN’s stance on maintaining peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom, and settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Minister Chung expressed his delight at visiting Việt Nam on the occasion of the Asia - Europe Meeting (ASEM) High-level Policy Dialogue in commemoration of ASEM’s 25th founding anniversary in Hà Nội.

Describing Việt Nam as a strategic and major partner in the RoK’s New Southern Policy Plus, he said the RoK wishes to further bolster coordination with Việt Nam in all areas to meet aspirations of the the two countries' people.

On the occasion, he thanked Việt Nam for creating favourable conditions for Korean experts and firms to do business in the country, and hoped that they would receive more support to effectively tap into bilateral economic and trade ties in the near future.

Speaking highly of Việt Nam’s important contributions in the region and the world, especially this year when it serves as coordinator of ASEAN – RoK relations for the 2021-2024 period, he expressed his wish for closer connections with Việt Nam to push forward ties between the RoK and ASEAN member states, including the Greater Mekong Sub-region. 

The guest stated that the RoK Foreign Ministry is ready to work closely with Việt Nam at multilateral forums and on issues of shared concern.

He also wished that Việt Nam would make further contributions to promoting dialogue and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula.— VNS