Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Republic of Korea: Propelling Vietnam-RoK relations
WVR - On the occasion of General Secretary To Lam and his spouse's state visit to Republic of Korea (August 10–13), Vietnamese Ambassador to Republic of Korea Vu Ho shared with The World & Vietnam Report the significance of the visit and his expectations.
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| Party General Secretary To Lam receives Mr. Park Chang Dal, Special Envoy of President Lee Jae Myung on July 29, 2025. (Source: Nhan Dan) |
At the invitation of President of Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung, General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and a high-level Vietnamese delegation will pay a state visit to Republic of Korea (RoK) from August 10–13, 2025. General Secretary To Lam will be the first state guest to visit the Republic of Korea since President Lee Jae Myung took office on June 4.
Regarding the significance and importance of the State visit to the Republic of Korea by General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, Ambassador Vu Ho emphasized the visit as a harmonious convergence of sentiment, logic, and timeliness.
Culturally speaking, exactly eight centuries ago (1225–2025), Prince Ly Long Tuong (Lee Yong Sang) of the Ly dynasty, set foot in Goryeo Kingdom (ancient Korea), initiating the first exchanges between Vietnam and Korea. Over time, through many highs and lows, the relationship has reached new heights. Three years ago, the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership—a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
From a logical standpoint, sincere dialogue, straightforward exchange, and in-depth discussion are defining features of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This visit clearly reflects the maturity of Vietnam- RoK relations, nurtured by both countries' leadership over more than three decades. Beyond the numbers, the exchanges and commitments during this visit will be foundations for the sustainable development of the Vietnam- RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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| Ambassador of Vietnam to Republic of Korea Vu Ho. (Source: Asia Today) |
Globally and regionally, both Vietnam and Republic of Korea are entering a new phase of development. Opportunities are intertwined with challenges, and advantages come alongside difficulties. This is precisely the right moment for the leaders of both countries to send a powerful message of their shared determination to strengthen comprehensive cooperation, for the sake of peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and across the globe.
When assessing the most notable features of the bilateral relationship nearly three years after the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Ambassador Vu Ho noted that the upgrade was a strategic decision that opened up new opportunities and elevated the level of mutual commitment. Over the past three years, Vietnam–RoK relations have entered a phase of unprecedented breadth and depth.
In review, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has yielded remarkable outcomes across various fields. Political and diplomatic cooperation has intensified, and strategic trust has deepened. This foundation has enabled the expansion of dialogue mechanisms—not only in defense and security but also in technology, innovation, and sustainability.
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| Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son speaks by phone with RoK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on August 6. (Photo: WVR) |
Alongside political and diplomatic relations, trade and investment have grown robustly. In 2024, bilateral trade surpassed 90 billion USD, aiming for the 100 billion USD benchmark. RoK has become one of Vietnam's top investors with a total capital of 92 billion USD. Additionally, Republic of Korea is Vietnam's second-largest development partner and the leading provider of ODA among ASEAN countries.
Beyond these impressive figures, people-to-people exchanges are another core pillar of the Vietnam- RoK relationship. The Vietnamese population residing in RoK has grown significantly to over 300,000 residents while more than 200,000 Koreans live in Vietnam, contributing across economic and social sectors. These communities are a strategic resource for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership.
However, what has been achieved is just the beginning. Many untapped resources and unexplored potentials remain. This state visit by General Secretary To Lam is expected to become a new driving force, sparking sustainable, effective solutions for a new era of vigorous bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Vu Ho said.
Recently, Kwon Hyuk Min, Special Advisor to President Lee Jae Myung, remarked that Republic of Korea-Vietnam relations are no longer just economic cooperation, but can be described as a symbiotic relationship for joint development. Ambassador Vu Ho completely agrees with Special Advisor Kwon Hyuk Min and stresses that Vietnam-Republic of Korea relations have evolved from ordinary economic ties into a model of strategic symbiosis.
For Republic of Korea, Vietnam is the gateway to ASEAN, a reliable base for regional outreach, and a companion on many international pathways. Structurally, the two economies are complementary: Vietnam is a dynamic economy with a youthful labor force, while RoK brings advanced technology and developmental experience.
It is fair to say this is a "live and grow together" relationship—where one side’s prosperity contributes to the other’s stability and success.
People-to-people exchange is the resilient thread that binds the hearts and minds of the two nations. Many individuals now call Vietnam or Republic of Korea their second home. Commenting how this enduring thread contributes to elevating bilateral cooperation, the Ambassador reaffirmed this notion, stating that these exchanges have overcome geographical distance and cultural differences. Around 600,000 citizens from both countries currently live, study, and work in each other’s homelands. It is these individuals who are at the forefront of implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and deserve particular attention and support, the Ambassador emphasized.
The Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea is still relatively young compared to others. However, with their strong sense of identity, diligence, and solidarity, they have integrated well and made significant contributions to Korean society. Today, Vietnamese footprints can be found in every region of the Republic of Korea.
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| Ambassador Vu Ho chairs a legal consultation and information session for Vietnamese residents in Republic of Korea, held at the Embassy of Vietnam on July 6, 2025. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam to Republic of Korea) |
The Vietnamese community in Republic of Korea is still relatively young compared to the other ones. Yet, with their identity, diligence, and solidarity, they have been integrating and contributing significantly to Korean society. Vietnamese footprints can now be found across every region in Republic of Korea.
To fully unleash this potential, coordinated solutions are needed—both short and long term—from the Vietnamese and RoK Governments, and from the community itself.
From the community’s side, it’s about preserving the Vietnamese soul in every step of life in RoK. This process must be organized—aiming for integration without dilution. Success stories should be honoured, Vietnamese language classes expanded, and community activities held regularly. Meanwhile, those in difficult circumstances must be promptly supported and embraced by the community.
From the Governments’ side, support should come in the form of legal aid, enhanced citizen protection, and effective problem-solving. The recent policy allowing Vietnamese citizens to reclaim their nationality has sparked new enthusiasm, fulfilling a long-standing hope within the community. In the future, both countries will explore further steps to make life, work, and integration easier for citizens in both nations.
In conclusion, Ambassador Vu Ho underlined, living in each other’s countries is more than a livelihood—it’s a test of integration and identity preservation. When people, communities and governments coordinate, Vietnamese and Korean communities will become dynamic engines and lasting bridges for the Vietnam-Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to thrive and deepen.
