THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi pledges to expand cooperation with Seoul in smart urban development, high technology and long-term Red River planning, said Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Dai Thang.

During a meeting with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on December 5, Thang said the two capitals have built a close and dynamic relationship over the past three decades.

He acknowledged the major contribution Korean businesses have made to Hanoi’s economic progress, especially in manufacturing, urban development and high-tech research.

Thang expressed strong admiration for Seoul’s achievements in revitalizing the Han River and in digital transformation and technological innovation.

He noted that Hanoi is entering a new phase of development and that the Red River planning project will serve as a strategic foundation.

Hanoi hopes to deepen cooperation with Seoul and Korean businesses to realize this vision, Thang added.

For his part, Mayor Oh Se-hoon said he feels familiar with Hanoi, a city he first visited in 2007.

“If Seoul has the Han River, Hanoi has the Red River,” he said. “I know this river well and have taken part in several projects along it, which makes it feel close.”

He said Korean enterprises offered positive feedback during his earlier meetings with the local business community.

According to him, Hanoi’s supportive environment has allowed large corporations such as Samsung, along with many small and medium-sized firms, to invest confidently and operate stably in the city.

Seoul Mayor Oh said Korean businesses stand ready to contribute more to human resource training, especially for young talent and in industries where both cities share strengths.

He praised Hanoi’s long-term plans for Red River development and said successful implementation would strengthen the city’s economic capacity and improve living conditions for residents.

He emphasized that smart city development has become a global priority.

Starting in 2026, Seoul will host the annual Smart Life Week. Oh said he hopes the event will become a platform for Hanoi and other regional cities to share solutions for urban management and technology application.

Chairman Thang welcomed the cooperation proposals and expressed appreciation for Seoul’s commitment to supporting Hanoi’s development goals.

He said young talent will play a crucial role in connecting the two capitals and hopes more Hanoi students will have opportunities to study and conduct research in Seoul.

Hanoi also plans to expand cultural and tourism exchanges, supported by increasing air connectivity between the two cities, the Hanoi chairman added.

Thang said the Korean community in Hanoi plays an important role in strengthening bilateral ties.

Building on three decades of cooperation, Hanoi and Seoul aim to broaden practical and effective collaboration to create creative, modern and livable cities for future generations, he said.