General Secretary and President To Lam and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung participated in an official reception this afternoon at the Presidential Palace. The ceremony featured a flag salute, an inspection of the People's Army of Vietnam's honor guard, and a welcoming parade.
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General Secretary and President To Lam and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during the reception at the Presidential Palace on 22/4. Photo: Giang Huy |
General Secretary and President To Lam and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during the reception at the Presidential Palace on 22/4. Photo: Giang Huy
During the ceremony, a 21-gun salute was fired at Thang Long Imperial Citadel as a military band performed the national anthems of both nations. This is Vietnam's most solemn welcoming ritual for foreign leaders in diplomatic protocol.
Following the reception, the two leaders held talks and witnessed the signing and exchange of cooperation documents. President Lee Jae Myung is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and participate in other activities.
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The artillery battery fires during the reception for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on 22/4. Photo: Giang Huy |
The artillery battery fires during the reception for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on 22/4. Photo: Giang Huy
President Lee Jae Myung's visit, accompanied by his wife, is taking place from 21-24/4. This marks President Lee Jae Myung's first visit to Vietnam since he took office in 6/2025. The visit follows the recent consolidation of Vietnam's senior leadership after the 14th National Congress of the Party.
According to Vietnamese Ambassador to South Korea Vu Ho, President Lee Jae Myung becoming the first state guest to visit Vietnam during this period holds important political and symbolic significance. It demonstrates South Korea's high regard for Vietnam and reflects the level of trust and strategic priority in bilateral relations.
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General Secretary and President To Lam and his wife with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his wife in a joint photo. Photo: Giang Huy |
General Secretary and President To Lam and his wife with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his wife in a joint photo. Photo: Giang Huy
Vietnam and South Korea established diplomatic relations on 22/12/1992. In 12/2022, the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In 2025, bilateral trade turnover reached USD 89,5 billion, an increase of 9,6% compared to 2024. In the first three months of this year, total import-export turnover between Vietnam and South Korea reached USD 26,9 billion, up 30% from the same period in 2025.
As of the end of 3/2026, South Korea remains Vietnam's largest investor, with 10,447 projects and a total registered capital of USD 98,9 billion. Investments are concentrated in key sectors such as the processing and manufacturing industry, high technology, electronics, automotive and auto parts, construction, and real estate.
In 2025, South Korea was Vietnam's second largest tourist market, contributing 4,3 million arrivals and accounting for 21% of total foreign visitors to Vietnam.
Currently, approximately 352,000 Vietnamese reside in South Korea, while 200,000 South Koreans live and conduct business in Vietnam.
Ngoc Anh
