Talking with the press, Choi said the June 30-July 3 visit will be the first highest-level engagement with the RoK since the two countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022. It comes exactly one year after President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit, so it is of special significance.
Through the visit, the two countries will accelerate the implementation of the Action Plan to implement the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership initiated during President Yoon’s state visit to Vietnam last year.
The two PMs are expected to discuss expansion of bilateral cooperation in all fields, including trade, critical minerals, labour, information and communication technology like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital transformation; people-to-people exchange, culture, tourism, and locality-to-locality exchange.
Additionally, both sides will explore ways to enhance regional cooperation, including within ASEAN and the Mekong sub-region, and collaborate on addressing global challenges such as climate change to contribute to global and regional peace and prosperity.
Choi expressed the RoK's expectation that the visit will further elevate the bilateral strategic and substantive cooperation to a level commensurate with their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Korean Embassy and relevant agencies are making their utmost efforts to ensure the visit will yield the best possible results, he said.
Reflecting on the mutually beneficial relationship between the RoK and Vietnam, he noted the economic development experience shared by the RoK and the abundant human and natural resources provided by Vietnam. People-to-people exchange is also flourishing, with about 90,000 Korean-Vietnamese families living together.
He underlined the need for both countries to expand their cooperation beyond the current focus on manufacturing, venturing into areas such as digital transformation, green transition, and cultural industries.
The diplomat also shared his vision for collaboration on carbon-free energy transition, including green hydrogen, and future green industries like waste recycling, energy conversion, and smart water management.
During one year in Vietnam, Choi has observed numerous similarities between Vietnam and the RoK. He praised the Vietnamese people's strong family values, diligence, honesty, and sense of responsibility, which he finds reminiscent of Koreans. Vietnam's ability to preserve its traditions while embracing changes, pride in its history, and forward-looking young generation continue to inspire him.
In gratitude for the most warmth and affection he has received from the Vietnamese people over his 35-year diplomatic career, Choi pledged to strive for the continued development of the RoK-Vietnam relationship in the years to come./.
