Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception in Hanoi on September 9 for Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak Sang Gil. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh (Right) and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak Sang Gil at their meeting in Hanoi on September 9. (Photo: VNA)

Son lauded the significance of the visit as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, suggesting that the two foreign ministries maintain close coordination, facilitate all-level delegation exchanges to strengthen the friendship, and mutual understanding and trust, and effectively implement existing cooperation agreements. He also called for continued collaboration at global and regional forums to contribute to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development both regionally and globally.

Pak praised Vietnam's recent socio-economic achievements, particularly its post-COVID-19 recovery efforts. He acknowledged Vietnam's efforts in enhancing and expanding its diplomatic relations with numerous countries worldwide, which has elevated its international stature.

On September 10 morning, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Thanh Binh held talks with his DPRK counterpart Pak.

Both sides agreed to jointly prepare for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. The focus will be on increasing the exchange of delegations and exploring potential cooperation in mutually beneficial areas that align with international regulations. The discussions also covered global situations and issues of mutual interest.

Binh affirmed Vietnam's consistent stance on valuing the traditional friendship between the two countries, a bond personally established and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kim Il Sung, and continually preserved, inherited and promoted by successive generations of leaders and people of both nations. He noted Vietnam's desire to work closely with the DPRK to further develop the bilateral ties across various fields, in line with the aspirations of their people, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and beyond.

Pak stressed that relationship between the two countries has entered a new phase of development since the official Vietnam visit by General Secretary of the Workers' Party of the DPRK and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong-un in March 2019. He affirmed the DPRK’s consistent stance on maintaining and further strengthening bilateral ties in a robust and substantive manner.

During his stay, the guest paid respect to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi and toured several localities.

(Source: VNA)