Vietnam’s National Assembly President Trần Thanh Mẫn met with a delegation from the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association, led by Chairman Lee Shin-jae, in Hanoi to discuss strengthening relations between Vietnam and South Korea. This meeting focused on enhancing bilateral ties through cultural exchanges, educational support, and humanitarian activities, which are seen as crucial for fostering mutual understanding and closer connections between the two countries.
During the discussions, Mẫn acknowledged South Korea as a significant partner for Vietnam in multiple sectors such as trade, investment, science and technology, tourism, and education. South Korea is one of the top foreign investors in Vietnam, with investments exceeding $100 billion, and bilateral trade figures reaching approximately $80–90 billion annually. The tourism industry also plays a vital role, as over three million South Korean tourists visited Vietnam in the first nine months of the year.
Mẫn praised the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association for its initiatives aimed at promoting cooperation, including scholarships for Vietnamese students, school construction, cultural programs, and humanitarian aid. These initiatives underscore the importance of non-governmental cooperation in strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
Chairman Lee Shin-jae reiterated the association’s dedication to bolstering the friendship between Vietnam and South Korea. He emphasized the significance of partnerships beyond government interactions, highlighting cultural programs and educational exchanges as key areas of focus. Lee also expressed interest in expanding collaborations with Vietnamese organizations and businesses, particularly in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, scientific research, and technology transfer.
Mẫn called for enhanced trade and investment promotion, urging greater business connectivity and cooperation in advanced technologies and the semiconductor industry. He encouraged South Korean companies to increase their investments in Vietnam and advised Vietnamese businesses to engage more actively in South Korean supply chains. Both sides highlighted the importance of increasing tourism, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges while supporting their communities living and working in each other’s countries.
The meeting also underscored the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation. Vietnam’s National Assembly expressed its commitment to maintaining close engagement with South Korea’s legislature through exchanges of experience in lawmaking and parliamentary oversight, aiming to further cement the robust ties between the two nations.