South Korea expects to remain a credible partner for Vietnam’s next development phase, with the latter seen as one of South Korea’s most important partners in the region.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Source: VNA

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made the remarks in an online meeting with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong today [June 8].

At the meeting, both leaders highlighted the significance of the event, especially as both countries are celebrating the 30^th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1992-2022).

South Korean President Yoon congratulated Vietnam for its comprehensive development over the years as well as the country’s increasing status on the global stage, and expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral relations.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the meeting.

For his part, General Secretary Trong congratulated Yoon on being elected the 20th president of the Republic of Korea and welcomed the country’s role in promoting peace, cooperation, friendship, and development in the region and the world.

Trong also thanked South Korea for its support for Vietnam’s development, including the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“These are the foundation for the next development steps in bilateral cooperation for mutual benefits of the peoples of the two countries, and contribute to peace, stability, and development in the region and of the world,” Trong added.

According to Trong, Vietnam remains steadfast in pursuing and independent foreign policy for peace, friendship, and cooperation, for which the country would continue promoting multilateralism and remain a responsible member of the international community.

“Vietnam stands ready to contribute to the denuclearization and peace in the Korea Peninsula, and support every effort to maintain peace in East Asia,” Trong said.

On the East Sea, both sides agreed on the necessity to maintain peace, stability, cooperation, and development, while respecting freedom of navigation and lawful rights of countries in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

On this occasion, Trong invited Yoon to visit Vietnam, which the South Korean President gladly accepted and extended the same invitation for Trong to visit South Korea at an appropriate time.