PM Nguyen Tan Dung received former President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Myung-bak in Ha Noi

PM Dung expressed his pleasure with comprehensive developments in bilateral relations between the RoK and Viet Nam, especially since the strategic partnership was established in 2009.

He stressed that Viet Nam attaches importance to promoting multi-faceted cooperation with the RoK in a sustainable and practical manner to bring benefits for both sides, particularly in economics, trade, investment, tourism, politics-diplomacy, national defence-security, labour, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

PM Dung also expressed his belief in an early conclusion of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of this year, creating favorable conditions for promoting bilateral cooperation in economics, trade and investment and links between the two countries' ministries, sectors and businesses.

He valued the former President's contributions to bilateral relations and expressed his hope that the guest would continue to make further contributions to the bilateral ties in the future.

Lee said that the bilateral ties have supported both countries' development as a model towards the future when the two countries have not only boosted economic, investment and trade links, but also established closeness on a basis of cultural relations and people-to-people exchanges.

He expressed his belief in the development future of Viet Nam and said that the RoK was right to partner Viet Nam.

The RoK business community pays great attention to investment opportunities in Viet Nam, which is reflected in the participation of many hi-tech businesses in his visit, Lee said..

He hoped the Vietnamese Government will continue to support RoK businesses in Viet Nam and expressed his hope that the bilateral FTA, which was initiated by him and PM Dung, would be signed as soon as possible, contributing to enhancing the economic, trade and investment relations.

 By Vien Nhu

(http://www.chinhphu.vn)