Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has suggested that Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) should promote cooperation in all fields, including defence, security, economy, e-commerce, labour, innovation and creativity towards the target of 100 billion USD in two-way trade by 2020.
During a reception in Hanoi on December 26 for Korean Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Yoon Soon-gu, who is also head of SOM ASEAN of the RoK, Minh spoke highly of the positive development of ASEAN- RoK ties over the past years, affirming that Vietnam and ASEAN treasure relations with the RoK and hoping that both sides will continue stepping up their practical and effective ties for the sake of peace and prosperity in the region.
Towards the 30th founding anniversary of ASEAN-RoK dialogue relations in 2019, Minh stressed that Vietnam supports the organisation of the ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit and will work closely with ASEAN member states to ensure its success.
He also expected that Vietnam would continue receiving the RoK’s support as the country will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.
Yoon, for his part, affirmed that the RoK values ties with Vietnam and ASEAN in general. He highlighted Vietnam’s importance in the implementation of the New Southern Policy of Korean President Moon Jae-in and in the development of relations between the RoK and ASEAN nations.
According to statistics, Vietnam leads Southeast Asia in two-way trade, investment and people-to-people exchange with the RoK.
He expressed hope that Vietnam will continue boosting bilateral ties with the RoK via multilateral mechanisms such as the ASEAN-RoK, Mekong-RoK and joint work with the RoK in regional issues of shared concern.
Earlier, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister and head of SOM ASEAN Nguyen Quoc Dung held a working session with the Korean delegation.
Dung said Vietnam in particular and ASEAN in general attach importance to the initiative to hold the ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit, considering it an important milestone in the relationship with the RoK and a practical contribution to building an East Asia region of peace, stability and prosperity.
He pledged to work with other ASEAN states to realize these initiatives, thereby further enhancing ASEAN-RoK relations.
Yoon talked about preparations for the ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit scheduled to take place in late 2019 in the RoK, saying that a series of events within its framework will afford both sides a chance to outline orientations for the development of bilateral ties in the future.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam urged the Vietnam Trade Union to reform more rapidly, deeply and substantively. It must work together with the State, enterprises and training facilities to improve workers’ professional qualifications, digital skills and adaptability.
VGCL President Nguyen Anh Tuan said achievements obtained over the past ternure reflect the close guidance of the Party, effective coordination among State agencies, local authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organisations, support from employers and, above all, the dedication and innovation demonstrated by trade union officials, members and workers across the country.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasised the need to further improve institutions and policy frameworks, develop digital infrastructure and data resources, and create the necessary conditions for science, technology, innovation and digital transformation to become new drivers of economic growth.
Prof. Huang Rihan of Huaqiao University in China’s Fujian province said the Vietnamese leader’s address highlighted three major crises currently facing the world - the crisis of the international order, the crisis of development models, and the crisis of strategic trust.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang said that alongside the robust growth of relations between the two countries, defence cooperation has continued to develop extensively and intensively, becoming increasingly practical and effective.
Adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 24, 2024, and opened for signature in Hanoi in October 2025, the convention is the first global multilateral treaty dedicated to combating cybercrime.
The visits also took place at a time when the Philippines is serving as ASEAN Chair in 2026, Singapore is preparing to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, and Vietnam is set to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2027.
Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, expressed her emotion at seeing the children’s optimism despite difficult circumstances, noting that both Vietnam and the Philippines place children at the centre of their development policies, from education, health care to child protection.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation departed Manila on June 1, concluding a successful state visit to the Republic of the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.
Participants reviewed rental housing demand in each area, considering different market segments and target groups. They also examined the gap between supply and demand, and pinpointed issues in policy frameworks.
Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to elevate their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, opening a new phase of cooperation in politics, defence and security, economic ties and other key areas.
Vietnam and the Philippines on June 1 issued a Joint Statement on the Enhanced Strategic Partnership during General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam’s state visit to the Philippines.
Economic cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines should move to a new level, with greater emphasis on quality, depth and substance, as the two countries seek to maximise opportunities under their newly upgraded Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse are paying state visit to the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 at the invitation of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.
General Secretary and President To Lam encouraged the Vietnamese in the Philippines to remain united, abide by local laws, contribute practically to the homeland and continue fostering friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
By moving from crisis response to proactive risk reduction, Vietnam has positioned itself as a responsible and mature “architect” of regional peace, said a Malaysia-based expert.
The President Ho Chi Minh monument in the ASEAN Garden holds profound historical, cultural, and diplomatic significance, reflecting the friendship between Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as the solidarity within the ASEAN community.
The trip demonstrates Vietnam's high regard for its friendship and cooperation with the Philippines, as well as with ASEAN and the Southeast Asian region.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam on May 30 met with leaders of major Singaporean corporations, technology companies, financial institutions and banks with long-standing investments and business operations in Vietnam.
General Secretary and President Lam expressed his hope that the community will remain united, preserve the Vietnamese language and cultural identity, and strengthen ties with the homeland.