RoK considers Vietnam a key partner in ODA

• RoK-Vietnam deepen strategic partnership
• Strengthening Vietnam-RoK strategic partnership

PM Kim emphasized this at a reception for State President Truong Tan Sang and his entourage in Seoul on November 9. He pledged that the RoK government will continue increasing its ODA for Vietnam, with a focus on infrastructure construction and human resource training.

The PM also emphasized the RoK government policy of strengthening ties with the Southeast Asian nation.

Mr Kim committed continuous support for Vietnam and said he will ask related agencies to successfully implement agreements reached by both sides during Mr Sang’s visit, including the celebration of “RoK-Vietnam Friendship Year” in 2012.

The Vietnamese State President highly appreciated the RoK’s ODA for Vietnam, affirming that the country will make good use of the capital.

Both leaders expressed their delight at the fine development of Vietnam-RoK relations, especially since a strategic partnership was established in 2009.

Ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the future, especially in economics and trade, were a main focus of the meeting. President Sang asked the RoK to create better conditions for Vietnamese goods to enter the East Asian country, which would reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries, and help Vietnam develop its support industry.

Vietnam always encourages RoK businesses to enhance their investment and technology transfer in the country, he said.

President Sang conveyed an invitation to visit Vietnam from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to PM Kim, who accepted the invitation with pleasure.

** On the same day, President Sang also worked with Park Hee-tae, Speaker of the RoK National Assembly, who said the President’s visit will contribute to fostering bilateral relations and future cooperation between the two countries.

The Speaker praised Vietnam’s achievements made during its renewal process as well as its potential for development. He congratulated Vietnam on the successful organization of the National Party Congress and the election for the 13th National Assembly.

President Sang congratulated the RoK on its significant achievements over the past years and spoke highly of the two national assemblies’ cooperation considering it an important part of Vietnam-RoK relationship.

Both sides expressed hope that the two legislative bodies will cooperate closely with each other, thus laying a firm foundation for the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

They also stressed the importance of people-to-people exchange in reinforcing mutual trust and understanding.

On November 9, Mr Sang also received Choi Young Joo, President of the RoK– Vietnam Friendship Association.

At the reception, the State leader emphasized that cultural similarities will help align the two peoples. He highlighted the contribution of Choi Young Joo and the association’s contribution to Vietnam-RoK cooperation.

During a visit to Kumho Asiana Group, Mr Sang assured executives that always creates incentives for foreign investors, including Kumho Asiana Group and other RoK businesses.