Vietnam inaugurates first consulate general in S.Korea

This marks Vietnam’s first consulate general in South Korea.

Speaking at the event, Consul General of Vietnam in Busan Doan Phuong Lan stated that the consulate general is not just a new diplomatic mission, but a gateway to broader opportunities and the beginning of new journeys.

The establishment of the Consulate General in Busan reflects the deep care of the Vietnamese Party and state for the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in the southern region of South Korea.

The consulate general pledged to serve as a common home for the community, a bridge for stronger ties, and a contributor to promoting Vietnam–South Korea relations.

Busan Mayor Park Hyeong Jun noted that the inauguration of the consulate general comes at a time when the Vietnam–South Korea comprehensive strategic partnership is flourishing.

He emphasized that this is a vivid testament to the deepening ties between the two countries and a strong link to further expand local-level cooperation in areas such as economy, culture, and people-to-people exchange.

He expressed confidence that the consulate general would help create new momentum and expand the space for friendly cooperation.

On this occasion, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son awarded a commemorative insignia for diplomatic service to Park Soo Kwan, former Honorary Consul General of Vietnam in the Busan area.

Strengthening cooperation between Busan and Ho Chi Minh City

Following the inauguration, Party General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation, along with Busan’s leadership and representatives from the South Korean government, attended the ceremony marking 30 years of friendly and cooperative relations between Ho Chi Minh City and Busan.

In his remarks, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized that the anniversary reflects the depth of the Vietnam–South Korea relationship and affirms the vital role of local-level cooperation in the broader collaboration between the two nations.

He acknowledged South Korea's active contributions to Vietnam’s development over the past few years and Busan’s importance in bilateral cooperation.

He said the opening of the consulate general in the city is a clear recognition of Busan’s role in Vietnam’s relations, as well as its link with Ho Chi Minh City and with other localities.

He expressed hope that Busan would continue expanding cooperation with various provinces and cities in Vietnam, especially coastal ones.

The support and collaboration of Busan’s government and people with Ho Chi Minh City and other Vietnamese localities will help realize the development goals agreed upon by both nations’ leaders, Party leader Lam added.

Chairman of the Busan Metropolitan Council Ahn Sung Min highlighted that the establishment of the twinning relationship with Ho Chi Minh City 30 years ago was a major diplomatic milestone, paving the way for sustainable exchanges and development between the two dynamic cities.

Expressing his belief in Ho Chi Minh City’s future, Mayor Park reaffirmed Busan’s commitment to supporting Ho Chi Minh City toward mutual development.

Representing Ho Chi Minh City, secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen stated that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and South Korea has become a model of collaborative development.

He stressed that the state visit by Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse marks a significant milestone in the strong bilateral relationship.

He noted that Ho Chi Minh City has entered a new development phase, focusing on becoming a regional and international hub in economy, finance, services, commerce, logistics, high-tech industry, and marine tourism.

Meanwhile, Busan—a leading port city in South Korea and Northeast Asia—is not only known for its logistics, shipbuilding, and maritime industries but also as a city of knowledge, innovation, creativity, and culture.

It has made strong advances in high technology, healthcare, education, cultural industries, and especially smart city development linked with digital transformation and sustainable, eco-friendly growth.

These factors create significant opportunities for cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Busan in areas where both sides have strengths, such as digital transformation, innovation, education and training, tourism, high-tech industry, logistics, marine economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

He pledged that both cities would work to effectively implement the agreements reached by the national leaders.

On Wednesday morning in Busan, Party General Secretary To Lam also met with Busan Mayor Park Hyeong Jun and former Honorary Consul General Park Soo Kwan.

During his meeting with Mayor Park, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized that this is a strategic opportunity for Busan and Vietnamese localities to elevate practical cooperation.

He proposed that Busan continue expanding ties with provinces and cities in Vietnam and support business communities in investing in Vietnam, particularly in prioritized areas such as science and technology, satellite urban development, commercial centers, logistics hubs, infrastructure construction, and tourism facilities.

He also suggested Busan share its development models and smart port management systems with key Vietnamese coastal economic zones, and enhance cooperation in the film industry.

Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and the high-ranking delegation arrived in Seoul on Sunday, marking the start of his four-day state visit to South Korea from August 10 to 13.

The trip was made at the invitation of President of South Korea Lee Jae Myung and his spouse.