Vietnam always wants to strengthen and develop the traditional friendship with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said during his reception for DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho in Hanoi on December 1. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and DPRK Foreign Minister Ro Yong-ho

The PM said the Vietnamese Government and people are ready to conduct exchanges and cooperate with the DPRK Government and people in all aspects for the interests of both countries’ people and in line with international law and the era’s general trend, thus contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world. 

He discussed with the guest the Doi Moi policy of Vietnam and measures to implement the policy under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) over the past more than 30 years, including the building of the socialist-oriented market economy and improvement of the people’s living conditions. He added that Vietnam is willing to share experience with the DPRK in expanding external economic ties, attracting investment and developing tourism. 

The PM welcomed the positive developments in the Korean Peninsula, particularly outcomes of summits between the DPRK and the US and the Republic of Korea in the recent past. He expressed the wish that the DPRK and concerned parties will make the best use of opportunities for dialogue and be flexible in implementing reached agreements so as to achieve substantial progress in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. 

PM Phuc stressed that Vietnam is ready to make active contributions to the dialogue process between the DPRK and related parties

FM Ri Yong-ho affirmed the consistent stance of the Party and Government of the DPRK on continuing to strengthen and develop the traditional friendship with Vietnam, which is a valuable asset fostered by President Kim Il-sung and President Ho Chi Minh. 

He said the DPRK wants to bolster exchanges and cooperation with Vietnam in fields that meet each country’s needs and strength and in accordance with the development trend of the new situation. 

The FM said the DPK is working to popularise the new strategic guideline set by President Kim Jong-un and adopted by the 3rd meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which focuses on economic development.

According to the minister, in order to build a peaceful environment for economic development, President Kim Jong-un has recently intensified external activities with related countries. 

He reported to PM Phuc the good outcomes of his talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, including specific measures to boost bilateral traditional friendship in the time ahead. 

He wished the Vietnamese people greater achievements in implementing the guidelines of the 12th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Deputy PM, FM holds talks with DPRK Foreign Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) welcomes Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Ri Yong Ho 

Vietnam is ready to share with the DPRK its socio-economic development and nation building experience that meet the country’s needs, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

He made the statement at his talks with Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Ri Yong Ho in Hanoi on November 30. The DPRK Foreign Minister is on an official visit to Vietnam from November 29 to December 2.

Minh said the visit by minister Ri Yong Ho is meaningful in maintaining and consolidating the traditional friendship between the two countries.

He congratulated the DPRK people on their achievements in the nation building and development made over the past 70 years.

He said the Party, Government and people of Vietnam attach importance o the traditional ties with the DPRK and are willing to work with the country to promote exchanges and cooperation in all fields in conformity with each country’s potential and interests, international law and responsibility, for the sake of maintaining peace and development in the region.

Minister Ri Yong Ho said he is delighted to pay an official visit to Vietnam and witness Vietnamese people’s socio-economic development and international integration achievements.

He asserted that the Party and Government of the DRRK have consistently treasured and want to continue cementing the traditional friendship with Vietnam.

He also agreed to work with the Vietnamese side to seek appropriate measures to reinforce and develop the Vietnam-DPRK relations in the new situation.

The officials agreed to continue collaborating closely at international and regional forums like the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the ARF, increase the exchange of viewpoints on issues of shared concern like the maintenance of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Deputy PM and FM Minh hailed current positive progresses on the Korean Peninsula, asserting Vietnam’s consistent stance of advocating peace, stability and cooperation on the peninsula.

He expressed his hope that the sides concerned step up dialogues to create substantive progress so to quickly address the denuclearization on the peninsula.

“Vietnam is ready to make practical contributions to the dialogue process between the DPRK and the sides concerned,” Minh said.

VNA