Vietnam’s National Assembly President Trần Thanh Mẫn and the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association, led by Chairman Lee Shin-jae, have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and South Korea. In a recent meeting in Hanoi, both parties emphasized the significance of cultural, educational, and humanitarian activities in strengthening mutual understanding and building closer ties.
President Mẫn acknowledged South Korea as one of Vietnam’s key partners in various sectors, including trade, investment, science and technology, tourism, and education. Notably, South Korea ranks among the largest foreign investors in Vietnam, with investments surpassing $100 billion. Bilateral trade between the two nations has reached approximately $80–90 billion annually. Furthermore, South Korea is a significant source of international tourists for Vietnam, with over three million South Korean visitors in the first nine months of the year.
The Vietnam National Assembly President praised the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association for its initiatives, such as providing scholarships for Vietnamese students, school construction projects, cultural programs, and humanitarian assistance. These efforts have played a vital role in promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Chairman Lee Shin-jae expressed the association’s dedication to strengthening ties beyond governmental relations, highlighting the importance of cultural programs and educational exchanges. He also showed interest in enhancing collaboration with Vietnamese organizations and businesses, particularly in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, scientific research, and technology transfer.
President Mẫn called for increased trade and investment promotion, urging stronger business connectivity and collaboration in advanced technologies, innovation, and the semiconductor industry. He encouraged South Korean companies to expand their investments in Vietnam and urged Vietnamese businesses to engage more actively in South Korean supply chains.
The meeting underscored the importance of tourism, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges in supporting the Vietnamese and South Korean communities living, studying, and working in each country. Both sides also highlighted the significance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation, with Vietnam’s National Assembly committed to maintaining close engagement with South Korea’s legislature through the exchange of experience in lawmaking and parliamentary oversight.