Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem said the visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) by Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh will be a catalyst for improved Viet Nam-DPRK ties.

General Secretary Manh visited the DPRK from October 16-18 at the invitation of Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party.

Deputy PM Khiem told reporters that Viet Nam and the DPRK have reached a consensus on various international issues of mutual concern.

The two party leaders also appreciate the friendship between the two peoples that was built up by late President Ho Chi Minh and late President Kim Il Sung, said Deputy PM Khiem, who is also Foreign Minister.

He went on to say that the two sides have put forth measures to foster relations in economics, culture, science-technology and education-training.

They also agreed to promote the role held by the Inter-governmental committee on economic and scientific-technological cooperation and to implement the agreements already reached between the two countries, including agreements on investment promotion and protection; trade and cultural cooperation, he said.

General Secretary Manh invited General Secretary Kim Jong Il to visit Viet Nam, saying that the visit would be a chance for both sides to discuss measures to further bolster economic and cultural ties.

Khiem said the two leaders shared the same view on some international issues and expressed their pleasure at the two countries’ coordination in some issues of mutual concern at regional and international forums.

They also affirmed that they will continue to work more closely, particularly after Viet Nam becomes a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. A mechanism for annual dialogue between deputy foreign ministers will soon be established.

According to Deputy PM Khiem, the two leaders affirmed their respect for the paths for development chosen by each side and agreed to strengthen experience sharing to boost the processes of national development and socialist construction.

General Secretary Kim Jong Il spoke highly of the achievements made by Viet Nam during its renewal process and said his country can learn a great deal from Viet Nam.-(VNA)