Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh made the suggestion at a reception for the RoK’s Deputy Foreign Minister and head of SOM ASEAN Yoon Soon-gu on December 26 in Hanoi.

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Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh receives RoK Deputy Foreign Minister Yoon Soon-Gu. Photo: VGP

The Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister also affirmed that Vietnam and ASEAN value the relationship with the RoK and hoped to expand the relationship in a practical and effective manner, for benefits of the nations and peace and prosperity of the region.

For his part, RoK’s Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that the RoK treasures relations with Vietnam in particular and ASEAN in general, and highlighted Vietnam’s important role in the implementation of the New Southern Policy initiated by RoK President Moon Jae-in and in the development of ties between the RoK and Southeast Asia countries.

He hoped that Vietnam will continue promoting bilateral relations with the RoK through multilateral mechanisms, including ASEAN-RoK and Mekong-RoK relations, and cooperate with the RoK in regional issues of mutual concern.

Regarding the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN-RoK dialogue in 2019, Minh affirmed that Vietnam supports the organization of the ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit and will actively work with ASEAN member countries to make the significant event a success. He also hoped to further receive the RoK’s support, as the country will exercise the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.

Translated by Tran Hoai