The summits took place in the context of complicated and unpredictable developments of the world and regional situation. However, ASEAN continues to maintain solidarity and unity, and has achieved a number of positive results in the spirit of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability”. Since its establishment in 1989, ASEAN-RoK relations have attained many good strides. In 2010, the two sides elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties.
 PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the first session of the ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  The Vietnamese leader attends the first Mekong-RoK Summit. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  At the first Mekong-RoK Summit. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  PM Phuc speaks at the closing session of the ASEAN-RoK CEO Summit. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  Heads of delegations at the ASEAN-RoK Startup Summit. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  President Moon Jae-in welcomes PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc holds talks with President Moon Jae-in. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  The two leaders witness the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in maritime activities and boat crew training between Vietnam's Ministry of Transport and the RoK Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Ministry of Education. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  They also witness the signing of a protocol amending the double taxation avoidance agreement between the two countries. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  PM Phuc has a meeting with Speaker of the RoK’s National Assembly Moon Hee-sang. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  He meets South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  On the sidelines of the summits, PM Phuc has a meeting with his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA |
The past 30 years have marked positive developments in the multifaceted cooperation between ASEAN and RoK, especially in economic and people-to-people exchanges. RoK leaders have repeatedly affirmed that RoK supports ASEAN’s central role in the region and actively participates in the cooperation mechanisms initiated by ASEAN. Shortly after taking office, RoK President Moon Jae-in announced the “New Southern Policy” to accelerate relations with ASEAN. This is evidence of RoK’s appreciation and desire to strengthen its ties with ASEAN. ASEAN is currently RoK’s second largest trading partner, while RoK is ASEAN’s fifth largest trading partner. The 2019 ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit is an important occasion for the parties to review the results of ASEAN-RoK cooperation over the past 30 years, as well as to promote the cooperation orientations and strategies between the two sides for the next 30 years.
Cooperation between the Mekong countries and RoK has also achieved many important results on the basis of a comprehensive partnership for mutual prosperity. The Mekong region has played an increasingly important role in RoK’s overall foreign policy. In September 2019, RoK President Moon Jae-in proposed the “Mekong-RoK Vision” focusing on three pillars. These include prosperity through sharing of experience, prosperity through sustainable development, and peace and prosperity through comprehensive connectivity. Under the theme “Future Mekong-RoK cooperation for mutual prosperity”, the first Mekong-RoK Summit focused on discussing several issues. They include reviewing cooperation over the past years, and discussing cooperation orientations for the future, including the “Mekong-RoK Vision” proposed by President Moon Jae-in.
 PM Phuc attends the groundbreaking ceremony of Busan Eco Delta smart city. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  The Vietnamese PM and his entourage visit the port of Busan. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  Visiting a Vietnamese booth at the ASEA-RoK Business Expo themed “Invest ASEAN 2019”. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  The Vietnamese PM receives President of the RoK-Vietnam Friendship Association Choi Young Joo. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  PM Phuc attends a ceremony announcing Vietjet Air’s plan to operate new routes connecting Seoul and Da Lat, Can Tho, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  The Vietnamese PM receives Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics Co. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  He also receives Kisun Chung, Senior Vice President of Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  PM Phuc has a reception for Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA |
The sound relations between Vietnam and RoK have been strongly accelerated through visits and high-level meetings of leaders of the two countries. RoK sees Vietnam as a key partner in its “New Southern Policy”, having worked closely and effectively with Vietnam in many multilateral forums and international organizations. Economic cooperation is a bright spot in bilateral relations. RoK is one of Vietnam’s most important economic partners. The cooperative mechanisms between the two sides continue to be maintained such as the Vietnam-RoK Intergovernmental Committee for economic, scientific and technological cooperation, and the Ministerial-Level Joint Committee for cooperation on nuclear power, energy and industry. In recent years, RoK has emerged as one of Vietnam’s key source markets of tourism. Bilateral cooperation in education, science-technology, agriculture and labor has also achieved many significant results.
Story: VNP - Photos: VNA
