Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung hosted a welcome reception for the formerPresident of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Myung-Bak in Hanoi onOctober 21.

He expressed his delight at thestrong and comprehensive development of bilateral relations,particularly since the two countries established their strategicpartnership in 2009.

Vietnam attaches greatimportance to its ties with the RoK and wishes to work with the RoK tostep up collaboration in all fields, including the economy, trade,investment, tourism, politics, culture and people-to-people exchanges,he added.

The Government leader also voiced hisbelief that with the joint efforts of both sides a free trade agreementwould be signed by the end of 2014.

From thenon, bilateral economic, trade and investment ties and cooperationbetween the two sides’ ministries, sectors and businesses would go fromstrength to strength, he said.

The PrimeMinister appreciated the former President’s working visit. He said hehoped the former President would continue to contribute to thedevelopment of Vietnam-RoK relations.

LeeMyung-Bak stated that the RoK’s business community is particularlyinterested in Vietnam, which is reflected in a large number of leadingcompanies on hi-tech products accompanying him on his visit.

According to him, the two countries do not need to worry about tradeimbalances since the presence of an increasing number of RoK investorsin Vietnam will result in a rising demand for imported materials andequipment from the RoK.

The guest also expressedhis hope that the Vietnamese Government will continue to providesupport for RoK investors and businesses.-VNA