Vietnam’s National Assembly President Trần Thanh Mẫn recently held a meeting in Hanoi with a delegation from the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association, led by Chairman Lee Shin-jae, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations between Vietnam and South Korea. The meeting primarily focused on expanding people-to-people exchanges and fortifying cooperation in various sectors.
During the discussions, Mẫn acknowledged the association’s efforts in promoting friendship and collaboration between the two nations. He emphasized the significance of cultural exchanges, educational support, and humanitarian activities as key elements in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral ties. Mẫn noted that South Korea is a substantial partner for Vietnam in areas such as trade, investment, science and technology, tourism, and education. With registered investment surpassing $100 billion, South Korea ranks among the largest foreign investors in Vietnam, and bilateral trade has reached an annual range of $80–90 billion.
Tourism has also been a crucial aspect of the relationship, with more than three million South Korean tourists visiting Vietnam in the first nine months of the year, making South Korea one of Vietnam’s significant sources of international visitors. Mẫn commended the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association for its various initiatives, including scholarships for Vietnamese students, school construction, cultural programs, and humanitarian aid to communities affected by natural disasters.
Chairman Lee Shin-jae reiterated the association’s dedication to strengthening the friendship between the countries. He highlighted the importance of collaboration beyond governmental relations, particularly through cultural programs, educational initiatives, and community exchanges. Lee expressed interest in fostering cooperation with Vietnamese organizations and businesses, exploring opportunities in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, scientific research, and technology transfer.
Mẫn called for increased efforts in trade and investment promotion, enhanced business connectivity, and greater cooperation in advanced technologies, innovation, and the semiconductor industry. He encouraged Korean companies to expand their investments in Vietnam and urged Vietnamese businesses to participate more actively in South Korean supply chains.
The meeting underscored the importance of boosting tourism, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges while supporting the communities from each country living, studying, and working in the other. Both sides also recognized the need to strengthen parliamentary cooperation, with Vietnam’s National Assembly expressing its commitment to maintaining close engagement with South Korea’s legislature through exchanges of experience in lawmaking and parliamentary oversight.