Lee says "Xin chao," To Lam says "thank you" at state dinner attended by business leaders

[Financial News Hanoi, Vietnam = Reporter Choi Jong-geun]President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to Vietnam, met with To Lam, General Secretary of the CPV and President of Vietnam, on the 22nd (local time) and agreed to actively pursue measures to boost trade, with the goal of reaching $150 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The two sides also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in key areas such as urban rail, energy and infrastructure, nuclear power plants, and supply chains.
President Lee and General Secretary Lam met again in Hanoi eight months later, held a summit, and then attended the state dinner. Along with the two leaders and their aides, Korean business leaders were also present, including Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics; Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group and chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI); Koo Kwang-mo, chairman of LG; Shin Dong-bin, chairman of Lotte Group; Chang In-hwa, chairman of POSCO; Chung Kisun, chairman of HD Hyundai; Huh Tae-soo, chairman of GS Group; Sohn Kyung Shik, chairman of CJ Group; and Cho Hyun-joon, chairman of Hyosung Group. The business leaders were also seen engaging in lively conversations with Vietnamese businesspeople.
At the state dinner, President Lee said, "I hope South Korea can stand alongside Vietnam as a trusted and steadfast partner on its journey of dynamic growth and leap forward." He added, "As global strategic partners, our two countries will further deepen cooperation in areas that Vietnam has identified as key pillars of its future growth, including science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation."
He also emphasized, "We will closely pursue comprehensive cooperation across core infrastructure sectors such as nuclear power, railways and urban development, as well as across strategic industries including automobiles, electronics and semiconductors, while also covering talent development and technology cooperation."
President Lee noted that this year marks the 800th anniversary of Prince Ly Uong-sang of Vietnam's Ly dynasty settling in Goryeo. He said that the relationship between the two countries, which began with small exchanges, has now grown into that of the closest neighbors, with 5 million people traveling between the two countries each year.
He continued, "At the sites of more than 10,000 Korean companies operating in Vietnam, in Korean universities where more than 75,000 Vietnamese students are studying, and in the lives of 100,000 multicultural families of Korea and Vietnam, our two countries are building deep bonds and trust through everyday life." He added, "Just as the seeds of our ties planted 800 years ago have grown into a lush forest today, let us join hands so that the friendship we are building together can bear rich fruit for the next generation."
He also said, "I have heard that Vietnam has a proverb that says, 'A hundred rivers come together to form one sea.' The Han River that runs through South Korea and the Red River that embraces Hanoi are now connected as one here." He added, "The vision and commitments we share today will become countless streams of cooperation and will eventually meet in the great sea of shared prosperity for our two countries. South Korea will always stand with Vietnam as a constant partner on that great voyage."


General Secretary Lam also responded warmly. He noted that President Lee is the first state guest to visit Vietnam since the new leadership of the country and government officially took office. He said the outstanding cooperation achieved over the years clearly shows the scale of bilateral relations. Vietnam is now South Korea's largest economic partner in Southeast Asia and its third-largest trading partner. South Korea is Vietnam's largest investor, its second-largest development cooperation and tourism partner, and its third-largest trade and labor partner."
Lam also said, "At a banquet for distinguished guests, spices always play an important role. Just like Korean doenjang, the flavor of Vietnam's 'duong van' paste becomes deeper the longer it ages, and it is like the friendship between our two countries." He added, "It grows deeper and stronger over time. When speaking about the power of cooperation, Koreans often say that even a sheet of paper is easier to lift when two people work together. Vietnamese people use the metaphor that one tree cannot make a mountain, but three trees together can form a high mountain."
He went on to say, "Cultural similarities, political trust and complementary economic development will provide a solid foundation for Vietnam and South Korea to continue their partnership as they work together toward a future of peace, stability, development and prosperity." He then said "thank you" in Korean, creating a warm atmosphere. In response, President Lee greeted him with "Xin chao" and raised a toast in Vietnamese, saying "chuc suc khoe" (to your health). He added that he hoped the occasion would become a meaningful moment to deepen friendship and trust between the two countries.
[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter