Seoul (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with 70 Koreans who represented organisations and associations as well as standout individuals with significant contributions to the Vietnam – the Republic of Korea ties over the past years, as part of his official visit to the Northeast Asian nation.

He acknowledged the effective activities made by both Vietnamese and Korean organisations to bolster the exchange and cooperation between the two nations and enterprises that help shape up a firm social foundation for the bilateral ties to develop strongly over years.

The Vietnamese Party and State always attach much importance to the relations with the RoK, and want to deepen the ties in a more practical and effective manner and in accordance with their comprehensive strategic partnership based on the nation’s consistent foreign policy of independence, resilience, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralisation of international relations, he highlighted.

He went on to spotlight the friendship and connections between the two nations which began in the 12th century when the Vietnamese Ly Hoa Son (Lee Hwasan) clan integrated into the Korean community and made various contributions to the host nation.

Overcoming the ups and downs of the history, Vietnam and the RoK set up their diplomatic ties in 1992, opening up a new chapter in the bilateral relations which have developed strongly and carved out numerous achievements, he said, adding they have become a leading important partner of each other in various domains, with the RoK being the largest foreign investor, the second largest partner in terms of development cooperation and tourism, and third largest partner in labour and trade collaboration of Vietnam.

Based on their political trust, similarities in culture, complementary nature of economies, and shared strategic interests, the two countries decided to upgrade their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022.

PM Chinh held that people-to-people exchange, which has been unceasingly developing, has been significant to the bilateral ties, stressing the two states and governments always create favourable conditions and ensure legitimate rights of more than 270,000 Vietnamese in the RoK, and some 100,000 Koreans in Vietnam.

Briefing the Korean friends on Vietnam’s situation and “four nos” defence strategy, Chinh expressed his hope that they will continue expanding and renewing cooperation activities, enhancing communications work to raise public awareness of the histories, cultures and people of the other country, as well as promoting their bridging role to nurture the bilateral relations.

Calling on RoK investors to continue investment in Vietnam in the spirit of “harmonised benefits and shared risks”, he affirmed that they will be treated equally and have their legitimate rights ensured so that they can contribute to the two countries’ friendship and prosperity.

The Korean friends expressed their admiration for Vietnam’s standout development, as well as their delight over the robust bilateral relations over the past time, saying they will continue supporting Vietnam during the country’s development process and serving as a bridge to nurture the Vietnam – RoK ties.

Chairman of the Korea – Vietnam Economic and Cultural Association (KOVECA) Kwon Seong Teck said the KOVECA will do its utmost to connect enterprises and local administrations of the two nations, with focus given to people-to-people exchange, environmental protection, climate crisis response, and experience sharing in rural development, among others.

Meanwhile, Chair༒man of the Korea – Vietnam Friendship Association Lee Shin Jae said the association wants to play a bridging role to connect the two cultures, societie♔s and economies./.