High-Level Discussions in Hanoi
South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik concluded a significant visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, on November 21, 2025, where he engaged in high-level talks with General Secretary To Lam of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The meeting, part of Woo's official visit from November 20 to 22, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and address key areas of mutual interest, including economic cooperation and regional stability.
During his visit, Speaker Woo also held discussions with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, further emphasizing the Republic of Korea's commitment to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam.
Bolstering Economic Cooperation and Business Support
A central theme of Speaker Woo's discussions was the request for enhanced support for South Korean companies operating within Vietnam. Specifically, Woo Won-shik urged Vietnam to ease funding requirements for Korean firms involved in energy-related projects in the Southeast Asian nation. He also sought to create more opportunities for exchanges and collaboration between businesses from both countries.
Vietnam's leaders responded positively to these appeals. General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Vietnam would work to swiftly address the concerns of Korean firms. Similarly, President Luong Cuong pledged to instruct government agencies to engage in prompt negotiations with South Korean companies.
The economic relationship between South Korea and Vietnam is robust, with South Korea standing as Vietnam's largest foreign investor and a crucial trading partner. The two nations have set an ambitious target to increase their bilateral trade volume to $150 billion by 2030, building on a trade value of $86.7 billion in 2024.
Vietnam's Role in Korean Peninsula Peace
Beyond economic matters, Speaker Woo Won-shik called upon Vietnam to leverage its unique position to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula. He highlighted Vietnam's 'deep relations' with both South and North Korea, suggesting a potential mediating role.
In response, General Secretary To Lam agreed to facilitate the delivery of messages from South Korea and other parties to North Korea, with the aim of promoting inter-Korean dialogue. President Luong Cuong reiterated Vietnam's readiness to act as a 'mediator' in efforts to achieve peace on the peninsula. Vietnam has consistently advocated for restraint and dialogue as means to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Deepening Strategic Partnership
The meetings underscore the ongoing efforts to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Korea and Vietnam, a relationship that was elevated in December 2022. The visit aimed to enhance parliamentary cooperation and create a legal framework for stable, comprehensive, and sustainable collaboration across various sectors. Both nations expressed hopes for continued trust and partnership in achieving their respective development goals.
6 Comments
Habibi
The elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a good diplomatic step, signaling closer cooperation. Still, the practical implications for parliamentary cooperation and creating new legal frameworks will depend heavily on consistent political will and overcoming bureaucratic inertia in both countries.
Muchacho
Great news for Korean businesses in Vietnam! Easing funding requirements is a smart decision.
Coccinella
Finally, some real diplomatic effort on the Korean Peninsula peace. Vietnam has a unique position.
Bermudez
The $150 billion trade target seems inflated. Too much optimism, not enough realism.
Coccinella
Another foreign policy initiative that won't deliver tangible results. Just photo ops.
ZmeeLove
Vietnam mediating North Korea? That's highly unrealistic, they lack the actual leverage.