Pak Sang Gil, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of North Korea, met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and held talks with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh upon his arrival in Hanoi to begin his official visit to the Southeast Asian nation earlier this week.

During a reception for the senior North Korean diplomat on Monday, Son highlighted the significance of the three-day visit, which came as both countries prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025.

Son suggested that the two foreign ministries maintain close collaboration in promoting high-level exchanges as well as fostering mutual understanding, friendship, and trust.

The top Vietnamese diplomat also stressed the need to implement cooperation agreements effectively and continue working together at regional and international forums, contributing to peace, stability, and development.

Pak congratulated Son on his appointment as deputy prime minister as well as praised Vietnam for its impressive progress in various fields, which has elevated its global standing.

During their talks on Tuesday, Pak and his Vietnamese counterpart Binh agreed to jointly make preparations for the 75th anniversary of the Vietnam - North Korea diplomatic ties next year, with a focus on enhancing exchanges between the two countries.

Both sides will also explore opportunities to establish cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors that comply with international regulations.

The two diplomats exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern.

Binh affirmed Vietnam's consistent stance on valuing its traditional friendship with North Korea and expressed his hope for closer collaboration to further bolster bilateral relations in various fields, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Pak emphasized that the Vietnam - North Korea relationship has entered a new stage of development since General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong-un’s official visit to Vietnam in March 2019.

The North Korean diplomat also affirmed Pyongyang’s consistent stance on maintaining and further enhancing bilateral ties with Vietnam in the years to come.

During his stay in Vietnam, Pak visited President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and toured several local sites.

He is the second senior North Korean official to have visited Vietnam this year.

Previously, a delegation led by Kim Song Nam, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea paid a visit to Vietnam from March 25 to 28.

Recently, North Korea's new envoy to Vietnam Ri Sung Guk arrived in Hanoi and presented his credentials to General Secretary and State President To Lam on August 12.

Ri’s appointment was announced by the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 30.

This post had been vacant since Ri’s predecessor Kim Myong Gil returned to North Korea in April 2019.

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