DPRK Chairman Kim Jong Un (Photo: Reuters)

The visit, which is expected to set a historic milestone in relations between the two countries, comes 60 years after the first visit to Vietnam by former Chairman Kim Il-sung in 1958 and just before the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year.

Vietnam and the DPRK have a long history of cultural exchanges. The two peoples have supported and helped each other in their respective struggles for national independence and construction. Vietnam has affirmed its support for the DPRK’s efforts to develop its economy and improve its people’s standard of living, has applauded every sign of progress on the Korean Peninsula, and stands ready to contribute to the dialogue process to establish long-term peace and denuclearization on the Peninsula.

By hosting the second DPRK-US Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam has sent a message that it strongly supports and will actively contribute to the dialogue process in order to maintain peace, stability, cooperation, and development on the Korean Peninsula, in the region, and around the world.