Vietnam, North Korea sign 5 bilateral cooperation documents

These agreements include a cooperation agreement between the two countries’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs, a letter of intent on defence cooperation between the two Ministries of National Defense, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on health and medical science cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Health of North Korea.

The two others are the MoU between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce of North Korea, and a cooperation agreement between the Vietnam News Agency and the Korean Central News Agency, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

During their talks on Thursday, Party chief Lam and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to elevate Vietnam - North Korea relations to a new phase of more practical and effective cooperation, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both sides committed to enhancing high-level exchanges, maintaining dialogue mechanisms, and exploring potential areas for cooperation.

People-to-people exchanges will also be strengthened as part of efforts to deepen mutual understanding and cultural ties.

Vietnam and North Korea established diplomatic relations in 1950.

To mark the 75th anniversary of this relationship, 2025 has been designated as the Vietnam - North Korea Friendship Year.

Over the years, the two nations have signed several bilateral agreements in such fields as culture, healthcare, civil aviation, judicial assistance, investment promotion and protection, and avoidance of double taxation.

Dialogue mechanisms such as deputy foreign minister-level political consultations and the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation have been maintained in line with each country’s needs and international obligations.

Cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges remain a highlight of the bilateral ties, with frequent artistic and cultural delegations, sports exchanges, and joint participation in events like the annual Spring Arts Festival and the Pyongyang International Film Festival.

On Friday, the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee sent a congratulatory message to the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on the occasion of the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea.

The message reaffirmed Vietnam’s desire and readiness to continue fostering substantive and effective cooperation between the two Parties and countries, in a manner that serves the interests of both peoples and contributes to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.