President Lee Jae-myung Holds First State Meeting with Vietnam's General Secretary

On the 11th, President Lee Jae-myung met with the top leader of Vietnam, General Secretary To Lam, and stated, "Vietnam is a very important neighboring country to the Republic of Korea," expressing his hope that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Korea and Vietnam will develop to a higher level.

General Secretary To Lam arrived in Korea on the 10th and held the summit with President Lee on the 11th, marking the first state visit of a foreign leader since President Lee took office.

During the meeting at the President's office in Yongsan, President Lee noted, "Vietnam is rapidly growing and developing under the competent leadership of the party's leadership."

He emphasized, "I am confident that, as the Vietnamese government plans, Vietnam will soon become a high-income advanced country."

He added, "As the third-largest trading partner for the Republic of Korea, Vietnam's growth and development is very important," and expressed his confidence that "Vietnam will establish itself as one of the world's central nations at a rapid pace."

President Lee noted, "Vietnam is the country of in-laws, with an annual exchange of people between our nations amounting to 5 million, and about 100,000 couples in international marriages, reflecting our special relationship," while smiling, he said, "We describe Vietnam and Korea as 'the country of in-laws.'"

He further mentioned, "More than 10,000 Korean companies have established themselves in Vietnam, and thousands of Vietnamese citizens are working in the Republic of Korea, which indicates our special relationship," urging that "it would be good if both governments continue to pay special attention to the safety and business activities of enterprises and citizens in each country."

General Secretary To Lam responded, "I was genuinely touched by President Lee's special welcome to me and my delegation," stating, "I am honored to be invited as the first state guest after the launch of the new Korean government."

He expressed confidence that "under President Lee's reputation and strategic vision, we will create a new Miracle on the Han River," and requested that "the President and First Lady, as well as the new Korean government, visit Vietnam at an early date."

He reiterated, "I am confident we will create a new Miracle on the Han River under President Lee's reputation and strategic vision."

Expectations for Strengthened Economic Cooperation Between the Two Countries

General Secretary To Lam remarked, "The Republic of Korea is an important partner for Vietnam, ranking first in direct investment and tourism," noting that "in the field of development cooperation, we rank second, and third in trade and labor cooperation."

He also expressed that "Vietnam continues to prioritize its relationship with Korea in its foreign policy," wishing for the collaboration between the two countries to develop in a more progressive and cooperative manner, in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Additionally, he stated, "During this visit, we are prepared to consolidate strategic trust between our nations and expand practical cooperation, having in-depth discussions on key directions with the leaders of the Korean government."

General Secretary To Lam arrived at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the morning, welcomed by our military honor guard's performance. He is scheduled to stay in Korea for four days and three nights, engaging in summit talks and a state dinner with President Lee.

Image source: President Lee Jae-myung smiling at the ‘Listen in Chungcheong, Chungcheong Town Hall Meeting’ held at the Daejeon Convention Center in Yuseong-gu on the 4th / News1, General Secretary To Lam of the Vietnam Communist Party and spouse / News1, reference photos to aid the article / gettyimagesbank