On January 13-16, 2013, at the invitation of National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, Kang Chang-hee, Speaker of the NA of the Republic of Korea (RoK) paid an official visit to Vietnam. The visit boosts the mutual understanding and trust and serves as an impetus to promote the relationship between the two countries in all fields.

NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung meets with Kang Chang-hee, Speaker of the Korean NA.

NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung described the official visit of the Speaker of the Korean NA and high-level delegation as a demonstration of the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, which would continue strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two NAs.

Hung expressed his satisfaction at the development of the bilateral ties, especially the success of the Vietnam-RoK Friendship Year that marked the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. The NA Chairman also affirmed that Vietnam always paid much importance to and wished to further promote cooperation with the RoK, and suggested that the two sides would maintain the exchange of delegations at all levels to boost mutual understanding and trust.

NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung hoped the Korean NA would continue to support Vietnam and help increase Official Development Assistance (ODA) from RoK, especially for the infrastructure field. Vietnam’s NA pledged to further examine and supervise the implementation of ODA to ensure it would be used effectively.

In recent years, the two countries have coordinated closely at regional and international parliamentary forums. NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung believed that the joint efforts made by the two NAs, States, Governments and people would help the Vietnam-RoK strategic cooperative partnership flourish, for the mutual benefits, peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Kang Chang-hee agreed with his counterpart’s suggestions and said that over the last two decades, the two countries’ businesses have established a close and effective relationship, creating a premise to promote bilateral cooperation and relations. With its strength in economic development and industry, RoK would be willing to cooperate and share its experiences with Vietnam. He added that RoK hoped that a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with Vietnam would be signed soon and is considered an important document for expanding the comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

Over the years the cooperation and relationship between the two NAs has helped strengthen exchanges and understanding between the two nations’ people. Kang Chang-hee also said that the RoK Parliament always hopes to closely cooperate with its Vietnamese counterpart to share experiences on legislation and supervision. The leader added RoK had a policy on building a multi-cultural society and would make great efforts to ensure the interests of foreign brides, including those from Vietnam.

During the talks, the two sides agreed to strengthen coordination and boost cooperation in science and technology. The legislators affirmed that they would do their utmost to foster friendship and cooperation between the people and parliaments of both countries.

During the visit, Kang Chang-hee met with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Truong Tan Sang and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. He also visited the Korean Cultural Centre in Vietnam, Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (The first National University and the Temple of Literature) and Ha Long Bay.

The talk between NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung and  Speaker of the Korean NA.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong receives Kang Chang-hee, Speaker of the Korean NA.

State President Truong Tan Sang receives Kang Chang-hee, Speaker of the Korean NA.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung receives Speaker of the Korean NA  Kang Chang-hee.

Kang Chang-hee, Speaker of the Korean NA, led RoK’s delegation to visit Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam.

Kang Chang-hee, Speaker of the Korean NA, led RoK’s delegation to visit the Presidential Palace Historical Site and write the autograph book at President Ho Chi Minh’s House.

VNP