Korea and Vietnam mark 25th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties

(VNF) - A gala reception marking the 25^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) opened at Hotel Lotte in Seoul on February 8^th, opening a series of events this year to celebrate bilateral ties.

The ceremony, held by the Vietnamese Embassy and the RoK Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador in the RoK Pham Huu Chi, RoK Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se and more than 300 guests.

Opening the event, Mr. Pham Huu Chi, Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK, said based on the strategic cooperative partnership and sound politic ties, the two countries focused on developing economic cooperation, especially in the fields of trade, investment and labour.

Vietnamese Ambassador in the RoK Pham Huu Chi addresses the ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

RoK’s direct investment in Vietnam has tripled to USD 50 billion from 2012, making it the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, while two-way trade doubled to hit USD 42.8 billion.

In the past five years, visitors from the two countries travelling to each other also doubled, hitting a record 1.75 million in 2016. Currently, nearly 150,000 Vietnamese people reside, study or work in the RoK, while a similar number of RoK nationals are in Vietnam.

The Ambassador held that the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA), which came into force in December 2015, has helped promote bilateral trade, investment and other economic areas.

Besides, Vietnam and the RoK also witnessed the success in other areas of cooperation, particularly in culture, people-to-people exchange, education-training and tourism. In 2016, Vietnam welcomed 1.5 million visitors from the RoK.

As two countries open up a new chapter in Vietnam-RoK relations on this 25^th anniversary of diplomatic ties established on December 22^nd, 1992, Vietnam and Korea are both ready and determined to take our relations to an even higher level, Ambassador Pham Huu Chi said.

Given the natural connection between peoples of two countries and the mutually reinforcing nature of bilateral relationship, the coming years will witness further deepening of friendship and strengthening of common interests, he added.

Vietnam will do its utmost to develop the partnership with the RoK, he declared, thanking the government and people of the RoK for their endeavours in boosting bilateral ties and supporting the Vietnamese community in the country.

Ambassador Pham Huu Chi (M) and his spouse took picture with the staff’s Vietnamese Embassy in RoK. (Source: E Seoul Post)

Addressing the event, RoK Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Lee Jeong-gyu emphasized the great efforts and contributions of the people and governments of the two countries, the Vietnam-Korea relations have developed rapidly in all areas of cooperation, including political, diplomatic, economic, trade, investment, socio-cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He also highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges, especially among youths. Many young Koreans travelling to Vietnam in pursuit of their dreams, while many more Vietnamese students are studying Korean in universities as well as in secondary schools.

The 150,000 Korean and Vietnamese expatriates living in each other’s countries, including the 60,000 Korean-Vietnamese families, who have become invaluable bridges connecting our two peoples, will also be strong supporters of the future of two countries.

During the event, a video clip featuring the growth of Vietnam-RoK ties and introducing the Ho Chi Minh City-Gyeongju culture exhibition slated for November 2017 in Ho Chi Minh City was played.

A series of events, marking the 25^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, also will be conducted in this year./.

( Compiled by Minh Phuong )