Politburo member and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Nguyen Thien Nhan has asked for help from the Republic of Korea in training personnel in information technology for Vietnam during his friendship visit to the RoK.

At his meeting with RoK Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn on August 18, Nhan said Vietnam needs help to address newly arising cyberspace problems.

According to the VFF President, 2017, which marks the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-the RoK diplomatic relations, is a key year for the two countries to map out new targets for their ties in the coming period.

He said Vietnam is in the period of golden population, with its labour force to reach 65 million by 2025, which makes the country an attractive destination for international investors, including those from the RoK.

He took the occasion to thank the RoK for its decision to provide 300,000 USD in emergency relief to Vietnam’s central region and Mekong Delta to help them overcome the impacts of salt water intrusion, adding that he hopes the RoK will continue its support for Vietnam in coping with climate change.

The VFF leader mentioned China’s move to illegally build military bases and artificial islands in the East Sea, which causes tension in the region. He hailed the RoK government’s position regarding the East Sea issue, particularly its support of the settlement of disputes by peaceful means with respect for international law and without militarisation.

Nhan noted that as a signatory of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Vietnam consistently advocates peace, stability and non-nuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula, while hoping concerned parties refrain from taking actions that can intensify tension and promote dialogue to seek a peaceful solution to issues on the Korean Peninsula, thus contributing to maintaining peace, stability in the region and the world as a whole.

PM Hwang Kyo-Ahn congratulated Vietnam for winning a gold medal at the Rio Olympic 2016, the country’s first ever at an Olympic Games.

Regarding developments on the East Sea, he reiterated the viewpoint that related parties should settle sea-related disputes on the basis of international law and international agreements signed by concerned parties.

The PM asked that Vietnam continue to create favourable conditions for RoK businesses which have already or will invest in Vietnam, so that they can operate effectively, contributing to both countries’ interests. He suggested Vietnam take measures to remove tax-related obstacles for the Vietnam-RoK technology incubator project in Can Tho City, as well as allow RoK defence firms to join in efforts to upgrade Vietnam’s defence capacity.

PM Hwang Kyo-Ahn extended an invitation to PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc to pay an official visit to the RoK on the occasion of the upcoming anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Earlier, VFF President Nguyen Thien Nhan held a discussion with Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lee Jun-won to call for stronger RoK investment in clean agriculture and processing technology transfer in Vietnam.

On August 19, VFF President Nguyen Thien Nhan met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in the RoK, where he affirmed that overseas Vietnamese are an integral part of the Vietnamese nation.

During the visit, the VFF President also chaired a seminar on achievements of Vietnam’s 30-year Doi Moi (renewal) in Sejong city, where he fielded many questions from RoK scholars.

He wrapped up the three-day visit the same day.

VNA