In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, Vietnam’s National Assembly President Trần Thanh Mẫn met with the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association delegation in Hanoi. Led by Chairman Lee Shin-jae, the delegation discussed enhancing relations and expanding people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and South Korea.
During the meeting, Mẫn acknowledged the association’s efforts in promoting friendship and cooperation. He emphasized the critical role of cultural exchanges, educational support, and humanitarian initiatives in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between the two countries. Highlighting South Korea as a key partner, Mẫn noted that it is one of Vietnam’s largest foreign investors, with investments surpassing $100 billion and bilateral trade reaching approximately $80–90 billion annually.
Tourism emerged as a vital component of the relationship, with over three million South Korean tourists visiting Vietnam in the first nine months of the year, making South Korea a major source of international visitors. Mẫn praised the association’s initiatives, including scholarships for Vietnamese students and support for Vietnamese communities impacted by natural disasters.
Chairman Lee Shin-jae reaffirmed the association’s commitment to strengthening ties beyond government relations, focusing on cultural programs, educational exchanges, and cooperation with Vietnamese organizations in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and technology transfer. He expressed interest in fostering business partnerships and expanding investment forums.
Mẫn called for increased trade and investment promotion, urging Korean companies to expand their investments in Vietnam and encouraging Vietnamese businesses to engage more actively in South Korean supply chains. Both leaders stressed the importance of enhancing tourism, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges.
The meeting also underscored the significance of 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. This visit marks a step forward in strengthening the multifaceted partnership between Vietnam and South Korea.