In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, Vietnam’s National Assembly President Trần Thanh Mẫn recently met with a delegation from the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association in Hanoi. The delegation was led by Chairman Lee Shin-jae, and discussions centered on enhancing cooperation and expanding people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and South Korea.
During the meeting, Mẫn expressed appreciation for the association’s efforts in promoting friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He highlighted the significance of cultural exchanges, educational support, and humanitarian activities in fostering mutual understanding and building closer ties. The President noted that South Korea is one of Vietnam’s key partners in various sectors, including trade, investment, science and technology, tourism, and education. South Korea is among the largest foreign investors in Vietnam, with registered investments exceeding $100 billion, and bilateral trade reaching approximately $80–90 billion annually.
Tourism was recognized as a vital component of the bilateral relationship, with Vietnam welcoming over three million South Korean visitors in the first nine months of the year. This makes South Korea one of Vietnam’s major sources of international tourists. Mẫn commended the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association for its initiatives, such as scholarships for Vietnamese students, school construction, cultural programs, and humanitarian aid to communities impacted by natural disasters.
Chairman Lee Shin-jae reaffirmed the association’s dedication to strengthening the friendship between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of cooperation beyond governmental relations, particularly through cultural programs and educational initiatives. Lee also expressed interest in expanding collaboration with Vietnamese organizations and businesses, including investment forums and partnerships in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and technology transfer.
Both leaders called for increased trade and investment promotion, enhanced business connectivity, and greater cooperation in advanced technologies and the semiconductor industry. Mẫn encouraged Korean companies to expand their investments in Vietnam and urged Vietnamese businesses to become more involved in South Korean supply chains. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of tourism, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges while supporting their respective communities living in each country.
The meeting also underscored the significance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation. Vietnam’s National Assembly committed to maintaining close engagement with South Korea’s legislature through the exchange of experience in lawmaking and parliamentary oversight.