Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) need to work to lift their comprehensive relationship to a “Strategic Cooperative Partnership” for the prosperity of both countries, the two countries’ leaders agreed Friday.

They also agreed to accelerate cooperation in trade, investment, ODA, labor and tourism, by encouraging RoK businesses to expand their investment in Vietnam.

The RoK’s PM vowed to share his country’s experience of development with Vietnam and continue to increase its official development assistance (ODA).

At the end of their talks, they witnessed the signing of an agreement on the exchange of prisoners, a framework agreement (revised) on non-refundable aid, and a cooperative deal on cooking safety.

The same day, PM Dung sent his condolences to Kwon Yang Sook, the wife of former RoK President Roh Moo-hyun, over his death.

Earlier Friday, he also made the appeal at a business forum in Seoul shortly after witnessing the signing of contracts worth billions of dollars between the business communities of both countries.

Dung said he expects more RoK businesses to follow, although the East Asian country is now among the leading investors in Vietnam with almost US$19 billion registered for 2,150 foreign direct investment projects.

He added that his visit is aimed at boosting comprehensive cooperation with the RoK ranging from investment to trade, tourism, labor, science-technology, culture-education, credit sources and ODA.

He also invited more businesses from the Asian economic power to step up investments in traffic infrastructure, ports, energy projects, hi-tech, agriculture and urban and rural development.

Source: VNA