Vietnam hailed as core in RoK’s New Southern Policy

• President upbeat about growing Vietnam- RoK strategic partnership
• Vietnam, RoK look towards US$100 bln trade by 2020

RoK President Moon Jae-in (L) and President Tran Dai Quang

The daily Korea Times published in English on March 21 quoted an official of the Presidential Palace as saying that Vietnam is a core country in the Moon administration’s New Southern Policy which aims to diversify Seoul’s economic partnerships beyond the US and China, by increasing trade with Southeast Asian nations. 

The official said President Moon will seek ways to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, including trade, transportation, infrastructure and energy. 

The article also mentioned itineraries during the visit from March 22-24, saying that Moon will meet Park Hang-seo, Korean head coach of the Vietnamese national football team whose leadership led the country to win second place in the U23 Asian Cup. 

He will then participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vietnam – Korea Institute of Science and Technology, which is a symbol of cooperation between the two nations in science-technology.

On the second day of his visit, Moon will pay floral tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. Afterwards, he will meet Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. 

The RoK leader will also attend a job fair before leaving Vietnam for the United Arab Emirates.