Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem welcomed Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on his first visit to Vietnam and believed that the visit would positively contribute to promoting the two countries’ friendship and cooperation.

Deputy PM and FM Khiem held talks with minister Pak in Hanoi on July 26, where the two sides informed each other of the situation in their respective countries.

They were unanimous in major measures to continue implementing high-level agreements reached between General Secretaries Nong Duc Manh and Kim Jong Il in October 2007 with a view to bringing the two countries’ traditional friendly and cooperative ties to a new height.

Deputy PM Khiem reiterated Vietnam ’s consistent policy to support the DPRK people’s cause of self-determination, peace and national unification. He expressed high appreciation of recent positive developments on the Korean peninsular, thus benefiting peace, stability, cooperation and development in Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Minister Pak thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their assistance to the DPRK over the recent past.

The two sides were satisfied at the development of the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries, initiated by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kim Il-sung, which have been further strengthened since the high-level meeting in October 2007.

They affirmed their determination to promote and expand the bilateral relationship.

In the immediate future, the two sides will promote the exchange of delegations at all levels, review signed agreements and encourage businesses from both sides to increase investment, economic and commercial cooperation.

In implementation of an agreement signed in May 2007, the two foreign ministries will accelerate and expand the two countries’ bilateral cooperation and coordination at multilateral forums such as the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement and ARF.

Minister Pak invited Deputy PM and FM Khiem to visit the DPRK.