Vietnam is seeking to strengthen its relationship with South Korea through enhanced cultural and economic exchanges. This was the focus of a recent meeting in Hanoi between Vietnam’s National Assembly President Trần Thanh Mẫn and a delegation from the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association, led by Chairman Lee Shin-jae. During the discussions, both parties emphasized the importance of expanding people-to-people exchanges and bolstering bilateral ties between the two nations.
President Mẫn expressed appreciation for the association’s efforts in promoting cooperation and friendship, highlighting key areas such as cultural exchanges, educational support, and humanitarian activities as essential components for fostering mutual understanding. He underscored South Korea’s status as one of Vietnam’s leading partners in trade, investment, science and technology, tourism, and education, noting that South Korea is among the largest foreign investors in Vietnam with investments exceeding $100 billion. Bilateral trade between the two countries has reached approximately $80–90 billion annually.
The tourism sector also plays a significant role in the bilateral 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 commended the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association for its initiatives, which include providing scholarships for Vietnamese students, contributing to school construction, and supporting communities affected by natural disasters.
Chairman Lee Shin-jae reaffirmed the association’s commitment to enhancing the friendship between the two countries through cultural programs, educational initiatives, and community exchanges. He expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Vietnamese organizations and businesses, particularly in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, scientific research, and technology transfer.
Both leaders discussed the importance of promoting trade and investment, enhancing business connectivity, and increasing collaboration in advanced technologies and the semiconductor industry. President Mẫn encouraged Korean companies to expand their investments in Vietnam and urged Vietnamese businesses to become more active participants in South Korean supply chains.
The meeting also underscored the significance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation, with Vietnam’s National Assembly committed to maintaining close engagement with South Korea’s legislature through exchanges of experience in lawmaking and parliamentary oversight. Both sides agreed on the need to increase tourism, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges while providing support for their respective communities living, studying, and working in each country.