Visits to the Consulate Generals of Cambodia, Laos, and the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City

On 24-25 February 2022, a delegation of Can Tho City, led by Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Director of the Department of External Relations, paid visits to the Consulate Generals of Cambodia, Laos, and the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City.

These visits were to strengthen the cooperation between Can Tho City with the diplomatic offices of the above-mentioned countries and to discuss the organization of activities for the diplomatic relations anniversaries in 2022. This year marks the 30^th, 55^th and 60^th anniversaries of Vietnam and the Republic of Korea, Cambodia, and Laos, respectively.

Working session with the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City

At the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep briefed the Consul General Mr. Kang Myong-il with the cooperation between Can Tho City and Jeollanam-do Province since their signing of cooperation in 2012. The Director also proposed activities for celebrating the diplomatic relations anniversary in Can Tho, including musical and traditional costumes performances, as well as local cuisines exhibition. In addition, Ms. Diep informed the Consul General the upcoming delegation of Can Tho leaders to the Republic of Korea for investment promotion, which was planned in quarter 2 this year.

Consul General Kang expressed his delight to welcome the delegation to the Consulate, and said that he would love to visit the City in April and definitely attend the opening ceremony of the anniversary celebration in Can Tho in October.

Working session with the Consul General of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City

At the Consulate General of Cambodia, Mr. Sok Dareth, Consul General, spoke enthusiastically about the relations between Vietnam and Cambodia, emphasizing the support of Can Tho City to Cambodian students studying at Can Tho University in the past ten years. Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep also informed the diplomat the upcoming issuance of the regulations on scholarship granting to Cambodian and Lao students in Can Tho. This will be a solid foundation for the selecting and granting scholarships to merit and eligible students from Cambodia to come to Can Tho to pursue their undergraduate and post-graduate studies.

The two sides also shared their comments on the organization of the 55^th anniversary of Vietnam – Cambodia diplomatic relations in Can Tho City. The Consul General added the student exchange to the list of proposed activities, and suggested the opening of a direct air route connecting Can Tho and Siem Riep for boosting tourism of the two countries and localities.

Participants at the meeting with the Consul General of Laos in Ho Chi Minh City

At the Consulate General of Laos, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep extended her pleasure to meet the Consul General Ms. Phimpha Keomixay. Both sides discussed ways to boost the economic and trade activities between Can Tho and Lao partners. Since 2009, Can Tho had signed the memorandum of cooperation with Savannakhet and Champasak Provinces, and the three had enjoyed high-level exchanges and educational cooperation. Can Tho City also provided scholarships for Lao students, besides Cambodian, to study at Can Tho University.

Ms. Keomixay informed the delegation that Champasak Province planned to held an investment promotion event in Ho Chi Minh City, and Lao side would invite Can Tho City to attend the event for enhancing the cooperation between the localities.

Can Tho City has signed MoU of cooperation with Phnom Penh (2006), Savannakhet (2009), Battambang (2011), Champasak (2011), and Jeollanam-do (2012)./.