Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm holds phone talks with Republic of Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

The RoK attaches great importance to Việt Nam’s role as part of the East Asian country’s policies towards the region, Yoon Suk Yeol said during the conversation.

He also sent his condolences for the loss of Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng and expressed confidence that under the leadership of its Party and State, Việt Nam will continue to achieve great accomplishments and solidify its standing in the world.

Lâm also congratulated the RoK on its recent achievements, particularly in economic recovery and strengthening supply chains.

He hailed the 32-year-strong bilateral relations between Việt Nam and the RoK. The two countries' relationship has seen rapid progress in all aspects, especially after they upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen mutual understanding and political trust through exchanges at all levels, as well as enhancing cooperation in national defence and security.

Trade and economic cooperation is expected to be more effective, substantive, balanced and sustainable, with an aim of increasing bilateral trade turnover to US$150 billion by 2030.

The RoK will increase imports of Vietnamese agricultural products, said Yoon.

In addition to labour, culture, tourism and education, the two countries will also promote cooperation in international and regional issues.

The top Vietnamese leader also affirmed that Việt Nam pays attention and is willing to make positive contributions to the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

Regarding the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue, the two leaders agreed on the necessity of maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, development and respect for international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).