S.Korea considers Vietnam top priority partner: envoy

During a meeting with Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam in Hanoi on Tuesday, Park conveyed warm greetings from President Lee and praised the robust development of Vietnam–South Korea relations across all areas, especially since the elevation to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022.

Park emphasized that President Lee consistently regards Vietnam as a top priority partner in implementing South Korea’s regional foreign policy.

He expressed Lee’s desire to strengthen high-level exchanges while promoting cooperation in economic, trade, and investment sectors in a practical, efficient, and long-lasting manner.

Park also urged Vietnam to continue facilitating South Korean businesses operating and expanding their investments in the Southeast Asian country—particularly in nuclear power—and to deepen cooperation in addressing evolving global economic and trade challenges.

General Secretary Lam fully endorsed Park’s suggestions and reaffirmed that Vietnam’s consistent policy is to place great importance on elevating all-round cooperation with South Korea to a new level.

He noted that President Lee’s decision to send a special envoy immediately upon assuming office on June 4 reflects the significance he attaches to further promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

He once again extended his congratulations to Lee on being elected the 21st head of state of South Korea, expressing confidence that under his leadership the East Asian country will continue to prosper and enhance its international profile.

Lam proposed building political trust and strengthening connections among businesses, local authorities, and citizens to form the foundation for comprehensive, practical bilateral cooperation.

He also highlighted the need to expand scientific and technological collaboration to drive new momentum in bilateral relations, including initiatives in artificial intelligence, the establishment of data centers in Vietnam, and high-quality human resource training projects.

On international and regional matters, Lam stressed the importance of sustained coordination and mutual support in multilateral forums aligned with both nations’ interests, thereby contributing to peace, stability, and development regionally and globally.

Park reaffirmed Seoul's commitment to collaborating closely with Vietnam to successfully organize the APEC Summit in South Korea this year and again in Vietnam in 2027.