Vietnam’s National Assembly President Trần Thanh Mẫn recently met with the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association, led by Chairman Lee Shin-jae, to discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and South Korea. The meeting, held in Hanoi, focused on enhancing people-to-people exchanges and cooperation across various sectors.
During the discussions, Mẫn expressed appreciation for the association’s efforts in promoting friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He emphasized the significance of cultural exchanges, educational support, and humanitarian activities in fostering mutual understanding and building closer ties. Mẫn underscored South Korea’s role as one of Vietnam’s top partners in trade, investment, science and technology, tourism, and education, noting that South Korea is one of the largest foreign investors in Vietnam, with investments exceeding $100 billion. Bilateral trade between the countries has reached approximately $80–90 billion annually.
Tourism was highlighted as a crucial element of the relationship, with Vietnam receiving over three million South Korean visitors in the first nine months of the year, positioning South Korea as a major source of international tourists. The National Assembly President praised the Korea–Vietnam Friendship Association for its initiatives, which include scholarships for Vietnamese students, school construction, cultural programs, humanitarian assistance, and support for Vietnamese citizens residing in South Korea.
Chairman Lee Shin-jae reaffirmed the association’s dedication to enhancing friendship beyond government relations, particularly through cultural programs and educational initiatives. He expressed interest in expanding collaboration with Vietnamese organizations and businesses, focusing on investment forums and partnerships in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, scientific research, and technology transfer.
Mẫn called for increased trade and investment promotion, business connectivity, and cooperation in advanced technologies, innovation, and the semiconductor industry. He encouraged Korean companies to expand their investments in Vietnam and urged Vietnamese businesses to engage more actively in South Korean supply chains. Both parties stressed the importance of boosting tourism, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges while supporting their respective communities living in each country.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening parliamentary cooperation, with Vietnam’s National Assembly committed to maintaining close engagement with South Korea’s legislature through experience exchanges in lawmaking and parliamentary oversight.