Vietnam is South Korea's Key Global Partner, Says Foreign Minister

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun highlighted Vietnam's elevated status as a pivotal global partner for South Korea during an exclusive interview with Tuổi Trẻ. He stressed that in an era of rapid global shifts, including supply chain realignments and geopolitical tensions, Vietnam is more than just an ASEAN member; it is a vital collaborator in addressing worldwide challenges.

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This visit has a very different symbolic weight in that it is the first state visit after the new leadership has just taken office in both countries. This meeting will be a historic milestone consolidating the relationship and deep trust between the highest leaders of the two countries, thereby perfecting the best partnership in history and creating strong momentum for future cooperation.

The minister outlined three primary objectives for the recent state visit by President Lee Jae Myung. Firstly, the focus is on elevating strategic economic cooperation, with a concrete goal of reaching $150 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. This involves establishing institutional frameworks to bolster collaboration in critical areas such as essential mineral supply chains and cutting-edge science and technology.

Secondly, the visit aims to foster future-oriented partnerships. Beyond traditional manufacturing investments, South Korea intends to share its technological expertise across emerging industries like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and clean energy. This includes investing in local talent development, which will serve as a springboard for Vietnam's modernization and advancement in science and technology.

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The core message South Korea wants to send to Vietnam through President Lee Jae Myung's visit is 'Building shared prosperity and a common future together.'

Thirdly, the initiative seeks to deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, which already see 5 million visits annually. The South Korean government pledges full support for activities that facilitate direct experiences for citizens of both nations. Minister Cho underscored that this human and cultural trust forms the most robust foundation for sustaining the bilateral relationship.

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Currently, the world is going through a period of rapid change with supply chain restructuring and geopolitical instability. In this context, for South Korea, Vietnam is not just a member of ASEAN, but the most important 'global key partner' that will continue to work with South Korea to solve global challenges, including economy and security.

From Vietnam's perspective, this visit signifies a deepening of a relationship that has already seen significant South Korean investment, with approximately 10,000 Korean companies, including giants like Samsung and LG, contributing to Vietnam's industrialization. The emphasis on a balanced and sustainable partnership, moving beyond mere manufacturing, resonates strongly. The commitment to sharing advanced technologies and fostering local expertise aligns with Vietnam's national development goals, positioning the country as a key player in the future global economy. This strategic alignment, driven by mutual trust and shared aspirations, marks a new chapter in the enduring partnership between Vietnam and South Korea.

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The biggest goal of this visit is to enhance strategic economic cooperation. We are actively striving to achieve the goal of $150 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.