Party General Secretary To Lam outlines 5 directions for Vietnam-South Korea relations

Party General Secretary To Lam has outlined key directions for deepening the Vietnam-South Korea strategic partnership, including strengthening political trust, economic and trade cooperation, and collaboration in science and technology.

During his visit to Yonsei University on 11/8, Party General Secretary To Lam delivered a policy speech titled "Strengthening Connectivity and Trust, Promoting the Vietnam-South Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Prosperity, Cooperation, and Development," according to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).

The General Secretary shared Vietnam's perspective on global and regional issues impacting security, development, and bilateral relations with South Korea. He highlighted the current global economic environment with its inherent risks, the potential for fragmentation, disrupted supply chains, and growth models reliant on limited resources like natural resources, capital, and traditional labor, making it challenging for many countries to adapt and transform.

Amidst these global opportunities and challenges, the General Secretary emphasized Vietnam's commitment to entering a new era of prosperity and development.

He stressed that current efforts are strategically crucial for realizing Vietnam's aspirations: by 2030, the centenary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle-income status; and by 2045, the centenary of the nation, to become a developed, high-income country.

"On this journey, we hope that the government and people of South Korea will always accompany, support, and assist Vietnam," the General Secretary stated.

Party General Secretary To Lam delivers a policy speech at Yonsei University. Photo: TTXVN

Party General Secretary To Lam delivers a policy speech at Yonsei University. Photo: TTXVN

Regarding Vietnam-South Korea relations, the General Secretary noted the unprecedented growth of the two countries' cooperative friendship over just 33 years. The two nations have become trusted partners, cooperating closely at a strategic level, and are close friends with mutual understanding.

Looking ahead, the General Secretary outlined several key directions. First, strengthening political trust and mutual understanding is paramount. The two countries should maintain regular high-level meetings and exchanges through various channels, enhancing cooperation in diplomacy, defense, security, economics, science, and technology, while effectively implementing existing cooperative mechanisms and agreements.

Second, the two countries should prioritize economic and trade cooperation, considering it a top priority. Vietnam believes that increased investment from South Korean businesses in key sectors and the development of specialized industrial production complexes along value chains in Vietnam will bring strategic mutual benefits.

Cooperative projects with South Korea in strategic infrastructure development, including transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, and climate change adaptation, will strengthen Vietnam's infrastructure resilience.

Third, the General Secretary highlighted the importance of making science and technology cooperation, innovation, digital transformation, and human resource development new pillars of the bilateral relationship. Priority areas for cooperation include semiconductors, advanced materials, and biotechnology.

"We hope that South Korea will continue to support high-quality human resource training for Vietnam in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles, biotechnology, and shipbuilding. We especially welcome further investment from South Korea's leading high-tech corporations in innovation centers, capital funding, and research programs for Vietnamese businesses," he emphasized.

Fourth, Vietnam's leader called for breakthroughs in cultural cooperation, tourism, education, labor, and people-to-people exchanges. Vietnam hopes to learn from South Korea's success in developing and implementing effective strategies for cultural industries, entertainment, and cultural and tourism promotion.

Fifth, the two countries should continue to cooperate closely within multilateral mechanisms and international forums. Vietnam hopes South Korea will continue to support and share ASEAN's common views on ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and resolving disputes peacefully based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Addressing the younger generation of both countries, including Yonsei University students, the General Secretary noted that they are growing up in the digital age and globalization, with early access to the achievements of humankind.

He expressed his hope that Vietnamese students studying in South Korea, particularly at Yonsei University, will serve as "goodwill ambassadors" for the Vietnamese people, aspiring to become key contributors to the flourishing development of Vietnam-South Korea relations.

On this occasion, Professor Yoon Dong Sup, President of Yonsei University, awarded an honorary doctorate to Party General Secretary To Lam.