Vietnam, South Korea Pledge to Strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to deepening cooperation with South Korea during a phone conversation with his South Korean counterpart, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, on March 18.

Both officials expressed satisfaction with the significant progress in bilateral relations since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2022.

Deputy PM Son highlighted Vietnam’s desire to enhance political trust through high-level delegation exchanges and proposed working toward the ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion. He also encouraged South Korean businesses to expand investments in Vietnam, particularly in sectors where South Korea possesses strengths that align with Vietnam’s development needs.

In response, Foreign Minister Cho welcomed these proposals, emphasizing that South Korea considers Vietnam a key partner in its regional foreign policy. He expressed hope for continued coordination and mutual support in international organizations, as well as improving the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, including the annual Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue that reviews the implementation of the Action Programme for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in June 2023.

Both ministers agreed to closely coordinate and effectively implement the common understandings reached by high-ranking leaders of both countries. They will focus immediately on promoting delegation exchanges as Vietnam prepares to host the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.

Deputy PM Son extended an invitation for Minister Cho to visit Vietnam soon, which the South Korean Foreign Minister gladly accepted.