Vietnam’s top leadership has expressed hope for significant progress in the friendly relations with Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party.
On September 27, North Korea’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong had sent a reply to Kim’s recent congratulatory message commemorating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.
The Vietnamese leaders stated that the Communist Party, state, and people of Vietnam are eager to further develop the time-honored friendly relations between Vietnam and North Korea in a more substantial and effective manner, in line with the interests of both nations. Further noting that this will contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and creating a favorable environment for development in the region and globally.
They also emphasized that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In celebration of the Year of Friendship, they have pledged to organize meaningful events that will further strengthen the traditional friendly ties between Vietnam and North Korea in a more concrete and effective way.
The message concluded with well wishes for the continued prosperity of North Korea and for the North Korean people to achieve even greater success in their socialist construction efforts.
Reports suggest that General Secretary Trong is planning to visit North Korea next month. The last visit by a Vietnamese leader to North Korea was in 2007 when General Secretary Nong Duc Manh made the trip. If Trong’s visit goes ahead, it will be the first high-level visit in 18 years.