By UN Journal Kayla Lee

Prime Minister Han Deok-soo received Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, who is on an official visit to Korea (May 30-June 1), at Government Complex Seoul, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest on May 31.
 

Prime Minister Han congratulated Vietnam on the recent election of President To Lam, and emphasized the importance of strategic communication and exchanges between the two countries to further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership in all fields.

Foreign Minister Son thanked Han for his hospitality and praised the high-level exchanges, including the back-to-back bilateral visits of the two leaders over the past two years, as a strong impetus for the development of bilateral relations. 

The two sides also expressed their willingness to work closely together to fully implement the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was agreed upon during President Yoon's state visit to Vietnam in June last year.

The two sides agreed to accelerate reciprocal cooperation in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Han asked for special attention and support to create a favorable environment for Korean businesses in Vietnam, and Son promised to keep an eye on the issue of supporting Korean business activities in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that active people-to-people exchanges are fundamental to the development of bilateral ties, and called on Minister Son to continue to strengthen communication and cooperation to promote the safety, protection, and convenience of the people of both countries living and working in each other's countries.

Han expressed his appreciation for Vietnam's support for his government's efforts to promote peace and stability in the region in its role as ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Facilitation Unit (AKFU) and asked for continued interest and cooperation.

He also called on Vietnam to play an active role in helping ASEAN send a firm and united message to North Korea in response to its provocations, including the launch of military reconnaissance satellites and ballistic missiles.