In a significant move to enhance Vietnam-South Korea relations, Vietnam’s National Assembly President Trần Thanh Mẫn recently hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association led by Chairman Lee Shin-jae in Hanoi. The discussions centered on bolstering bilateral ties and promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
President Mẫn acknowledged the association’s vital role in fostering friendship and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchanges, educational support, and humanitarian initiatives in nurturing mutual understanding. He highlighted South Korea’s status as a key partner in various sectors such as trade, investment, science and technology, tourism, and education. South Korea’s investment in Vietnam has surpassed $100 billion, and bilateral trade consistently reaches approximately $80–90 billion annually.
Tourism remains a pivotal aspect of the relationship, with Vietnam welcoming over three million South Korean visitors in the first nine months of the year, marking South Korea as a major source of international tourists. Mẫn commended the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association for its initiatives, including scholarships for Vietnamese students and support for communities impacted by natural disasters.
Chairman Lee Shin-jae reiterated the association’s commitment to strengthening ties, underscoring the significance of cooperation beyond governmental relations through cultural programs and educational exchanges. Lee expressed interest in expanding collaboration with Vietnamese organizations and businesses, particularly in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and technology transfer.
President Mẫn called for enhanced trade and investment efforts, greater business connectivity, and increased cooperation in advanced technologies and the semiconductor industry. He urged Korean companies to expand their investments in Vietnam and encouraged Vietnamese participation in South Korean supply chains.
Both sides agreed on the importance of boosting tourism, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges while supporting their communities living and working in each country. The meeting also highlighted the need for strengthening parliamentary cooperation, with Vietnam’s National Assembly committed to maintaining close engagement with South Korea’s legislature through experience exchanges in lawmaking and parliamentary oversight.