A leading South Korean conglomerate’s representative presented Vietnamese State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc with a signed jersey from the Korean national football team in Seoul on Monday morning.

Cho Hyun Sang, vice-chairman of Hyosung Corporation, gifted the signed jersey, which belongs to forward Hwang In Beom, to President Phuc during the Vietnamese leader’s reception for a group of major businesses on the morning, just hours before the 2023 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game between South Korea and Brazil.

Cho prepared the surprising gift, which brightened up the meeting, as he was aware that President Phuc, who is on a state visit to South Korea at the invitation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, is an enthusiastic football fan.

Cho received the jersey from Hwang more than two months ago.

In response, Phuc said South Korea are one of his favorite teams at the FIFA World Cup and he watched some of their matches at the ongoing tournament.

“South Korea were great in the match against Portugal,” the state leader said, referring to the dramatic 2-1 comeback win of the Asian team on Friday (South Korea time) to advance to the final 16. 

“Your team deserves to be playing in the knockout stage and is the pride of the continent."

President Phuc wished the South Korean team a great and successful match against the Brazilian championship candidate on Tuesday morning (South Korea time).

President Phuc is the first senior foreign leader to pay a state visit to South Korea since President Yoon took office, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The visit, scheduled to last until Tuesday, takes place in the context that the two countries are celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations, with the strategic cooperative partnership developing positively and effectively.

Vietnam and South Korea established their diplomatic relations on December 22, 1992.

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