Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (Photo: VNA)

During a phone talks, they agreed that Vietnam and the RoK will step up collaboration in the COVID-19 combat and vaccine supply.

Party leader Trong said Vietnam will continue with its comprehensive and synchronous Doi Moi (Renewal) for rapid and sustainable development, while consistently pursuing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, development, diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations, active and proactive integration into the world, and being a trustworthy partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community.

Vietnam attaches importance to the relationship with the RoK – which it considers an important, long-term strategic partner, the Party leader said, appreciating the fact that the RoK considers Vietnam a key partner in its New Southern Policy Plus.

He suggested the RoK further support the Vietnamese community in the country and pledged that Vietnam will continue creating favourable conditions for Korean firms to expand their operation in Vietnam.

President Moon expressed his belief that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam headed by Trong, Vietnam will contain the pandemic well and complete socio-economic development targets set at the 13th National Party Congress.

The RoK will continue to support and closely cooperate with Vietnam in the pandemic fight, he affirmed, noting his hope for stronger bilateral collaboration in economy, diplomacy, security and national defence, so as to soon bring the two-way trade to 100 billion USD and elevate the bilateral ties to a new height.

The two leaders also compared notes on regional and international issues of shared concern.