Vietnam strives to enhance relationships with South Korea: Foreign Minister's Statement
The Republic of Korea and Vietnam are strengthening their bilateral relations, with South Korea being one of Vietnam's leading investors. Over 10,000 valid projects, totalling US$93.7 billion in registered capital, attest to this fact [1].
As the two nations look towards the future, supply chain recovery cooperation has been identified as a strategic priority. Vietnam is ready to work with the new South Korean administration to focus on key areas of cooperation, including diplomacy, defence, and security, as well as strengthening high-level exchanges [2].
Cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries is more dynamic than ever. The Vietnamese government plans to establish a Vietnamese Cultural Centre in South Korea, fostering a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and history [3].
In recent years, Vietnam has carried out major, transformative reforms, prioritising science-technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Science-technology, innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human resources development have been agreed upon as a new pillar of the partnership between Vietnam and South Korea [4].
Economic cooperation is another focus area. The Vietnamese government aims to increase two-way trade to US$150 billion by 2030, through cooperation in trade, investment, industry, energy, technology, supply chains, and expanded economic dialogues and committees [4].
The visit of Party General Secretary Tô Lâm to South Korea demonstrates Vietnam's strong resolve to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with South Korea. The Minister expressed his belief that, with strong political will from senior leaders and the dynamism and creativity of the business communities, the two countries will remain reliable development partners [2].
Vietnam is also committed to supporting its overseas communities, paying more attention to the younger generations in Vietnamese-Korean families [5]. The number of Vietnamese living in South Korea is over 350,000, and there are more than 250,000 Koreans in Vietnam [6].
The visit provides an opportunity for the two countries' top leaders to exchange views on major measures, set priorities, and open up new directions of cooperation across fields. Vietnam is deepening and broadening international integration to open up new development space [2].
The Vietnamese government encourages South Korea to share experiences and apply innovative, technology-based models to assist Vietnamese localities in tourism planning and joint promotion through cultural and artistic exchanges [6].
In international cooperation, both countries have committed to coordinating on multilateral forums like ASEAN, APEC summits, and economic frameworks such as RCEP, AKFTA, and IPEF [4].
These areas were agreed upon in the 'Joint Declaration on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Korea and Vietnam' during the summit held in August 2025, highlighting a future-oriented and comprehensive approach to bilateral cooperation [1][2][3][4].
[1] Vietnam News [2] Vietnam Plus [3] Vietnam Insider [4] Vietnam News [5] Viet Nam Net [6] Vietnam Plus
- The focus on diplomacy and defense as key areas of cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam indicates a commitment to peace and security in the region.
- The ongoing economic cooperation between the two nations aims to increase two-way trade, fostering growth in markets and businesses across various sectors, including technology and agriculture.
- Both countries are striving to strengthen their understanding of each other's culture through initiatives such as the planned Vietnamese Cultural Centre in South Korea.
- In the realm of education, Vietnam is aiming to foster higher-quality human resources development in partnership with South Korea, prioritizing science, technology, and innovation.
- Vietnam is not only focusing on economic development but also on the welfare of its overseas communities, particularly the younger generations of Vietnamese-Korean families.
- South Korea is encouraged to share its innovative technologies to assist Vietnamese localities in tourism planning and joint promotions, leveraging cultural and artistic exchanges.
- The strides made in technological and digital transformation by Vietnam, underlined by its recent reforms, align with South Korea's strength in these areas, potentially leading to collaborative advancements in artificial intelligence and space exploration.
- The commitment to coordinate on multilateral forums like ASEAN, APEC summits, and economic frameworks like RCEP, AKFTA, and IPEF serves to reinforce the international cohesion and bilateral ties between the two nations.
- In the pursuit of a cleaner and more sustainable future, collaborations on climate change policies and environmental protection are necessary, with both countries being acutely aware of their responsibilities towards the health of the planet.
- The fortified partnership between South Korea and Vietnam, rooted in shared ideals and common interests, is poised to bring about a harmonious blend of diverse cultures and catalyze advancements in various aspects of social, economic, and political life, underscoring the importance of global cooperation and elevating general-news discourse on international relations.
