Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen. Luong Tam Quang held talks with Commissioner General of the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) Kim Jong-uk in Hanoi on August 26, discussing measures to concretise the two sides’ cooperation orientations.

Quang expressed his delight at the strong development of Vietnam-Republic of Korea relations, noting that the bilateral relationship has flourished since the establishment of diplomatic ties on December 22, 1992. This cooperation has continued to expand comprehensively in all areas following the upgrade of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2022.

Building on the positive cooperation between the two countries, security and police cooperation has become a key pillar of the bilateral relations, he said, adding the regular maintenance of important collaboration mechanisms has helped consolidate the ties between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), making them develop in a practical and effective manner.

He also appreciated the KCG's support in providing coastal patrol vessels to the MPS, as well as its assistance in training and instructing underwater special forces and sharing expertise in operating and managing jet skis, high-speed boats and large coastal patrol vessels. Quang expressed his belief that the vehicles will assist and improve the combat capacity for the waterway police force, helping police officers control and handle administrative violations, fight inland waterway crimes, carry out search and rescue operations, and respond to natural disasters, among others.

The MPS is committed to building a regular, elite and modern waterway police force with the capability to meet mission requirements, including cooperation with international partners, especially the KCG, he noted. Quang also requested that the RoK side provide further training and instruction for Vietnam's special forces and sailors, as well as in managing, operating and maintaining patrol vessels and underwater combat techniques, counter-terrorism and search and rescue operations at sea.

Kim, for his part, affirmed that RoK side would work to comp🌜lete the key areas of cooperation between the two sides and propose the RoK government provide technical support and maintenance for the patrol vessels already delivered to the MPS. At the talks, the two sides reviewed the outstanding outcomes of cooperation in the recent past and put forth cooperation orientations for the coming time./.