Vietnam wishes to develop friendship with all nations involved in the wars in the country, including the Republic of Korea (RoK), the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said in a regular press conference in Hanoi on June 15. 

Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

She made the statement in response to the explanation of the RoK Foreign Ministry’s counterpart about RoK President Moon Jae-in’s remarks regarding RoK soldiers who fought in the Vietnam war. 

The two countries’ leaders have reached common consensus on setting aside the past and looking towards the future, she said. 

The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Korea on June 13 affirmed that the country cherishes its relations with Vietnam and wants to advance the ties further.

The statement was made one day after the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry requested the Korean Government not to take any action and make any comment hurting the Vietnamese people’s feelings, in response to a speech by President Moon Jae-in on June 6 honouring Korean “contributors” on battlefields in foreign countries, including Vietnam.

Speaking at a press conference on June 13, the RoK Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Cho June-hyuck said, “We cherish our relations with Vietnam very much.”

He said since 1992 when the two countries established diplomatic ties, the RoK has continued to work to advance the relations with a shared belief that the two sides should set aside the past and look forward the future.

Cho noted that President Moon's comment was intended to remind of the need to provide "appropriate" support for those who sacrificed their lives at the order of the country.

VNA