Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Chung Eui-yong. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI —  Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has hailed the ongoing visit to Việt Nam by Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Chung Eui-yong, saying that it contributes to strengthening Việt Nam – RoK ties.

During a reception in Hà Nội on Wednesday for Minister Chung, Chính congratulated the RoK Government on its achievements in the fight against COVID-19, and economic recovery while highlighting the New Southern Policy Plus of the RoK Government.

He stressed that both sides need to continue strengthening political trust to promote other cooperation fields that match their potential.

The PM suggested fulfilling the goal of lifting two-way trade to US$100 billion in a balanced, sustainable and effective manner, with priority given to the import of Vietnamese goods of strength such as farm produce and fruits.

The Vietnamese Government encouraged and created favourable conditions for RoK firms to expand investment in Việt Nam, especially in digital transformation, manufacturing and processing, renewable energy and medicine, he said.

He thanked the RoK Government for continuing to provide official development assistance (ODA) for Viet Nam, expanding labour cooperation in the RoK, and supporting in post-war bomb and mine clearance.

The PM also thanked the Korean Government for assisting Việt Nam in the fight against COVID-19, and lauded several RoK firms such as Samsung, LG and SK for donating to Việt Nam’s national COVID-19 vaccine fund.

The host said joint work to overcome the pandemic will step up people-to-people exchange, bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.

Minister Chung affirmed that the RoK Government always considered Việt Nam a strategic and major partner in its New Southern Policy Plus, and stays ready to boost bilateral ties towards building a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He proposed enhancing collaboration in investment, trade, defence industry and people-to-people exchange, and working closely together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year.

The guest also thanked the Vietnamese Government and the PM for creating favourable conditions for experts and firms of the RoK amid the pandemic.

On regional and global issues, both sides shared a stance on increasing joint work at multilateral forums; protecting peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom; and abiding by law in the East Sea (South China Sea), including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); seriously implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South Chia Sea and building an effective and efficient Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, thus contributing to promoting dialogue and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula. — VNS