In a recent meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam’s National Assembly President Trần Thanh Mẫn engaged with a delegation from the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association, led by Chairman Lee Shin-jae, to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral relations and fostering people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and South Korea. This meeting underscores the ongoing commitment of both nations to deepening their cooperation across various sectors.
During the discussions, President Mẫn acknowledged the association’s pivotal role in nurturing the friendship and collaboration between the two countries. He emphasized the significance of cultural exchanges, educational support, and humanitarian efforts in forging a deeper mutual understanding and strengthening the connection between their populations.
South Korea is recognized by Mẫn as one of Vietnam’s foremost partners in trade, investment, science and technology, tourism, and education. Notably, South Korea ranks among the largest foreign investors in Vietnam, with registered investments surpassing $100 billion. Additionally, bilateral trade between the two nations has reached approximately $80–90 billion annually, highlighting the robust economic ties.
Tourism plays a vital role in this relationship, with Vietnam welcoming over three million South Korean visitors in the first nine months of the year, making South Korea a major source of international tourists. President Mẫn praised the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association for its initiatives, which include providing scholarships to Vietnamese students, constructing schools, organizing cultural programs, offering humanitarian aid to disaster-affected communities, and supporting Vietnamese citizens residing in South Korea.
Chairman Lee Shin-jae reiterated the association’s dedication to strengthening the bond between the two countries. He stressed the importance of cooperation that extends beyond governmental relations, emphasizing cultural programs, educational initiatives, and community exchanges. Lee also expressed interest in expanding collaboration with Vietnamese organizations and businesses, particularly in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, scientific research, and technology transfer.
The meeting concluded with both parties underscoring the need for stronger trade and investment promotion, increased business connectivity, and enhanced cooperation in advanced technologies, innovation, and the semiconductor industry. President Mẫn encouraged Korean companies to broaden their investments in Vietnam, while urging Vietnamese businesses to become more actively involved in South Korean supply chains.
In addition to these economic and cultural initiatives, the gathering highlighted the importance of reinforcing parliamentary cooperation. Vietnam’s National Assembly expressed its commitment to maintaining close engagement with South Korea’s legislature through exchanges of experience in lawmaking and parliamentary oversight, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.