On Monday, Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh played host to foreign diplomats to discuss effective ways to enhance bilateral cooperative ties with their countries.  They were a government official from Lao’s Xaisomboun Province authorities, and the Deputy Ambassador of South Korea to Viet Nam, Mr Park Sang Shik.

Vice Chairman Minh (right) and his South Korean guest

During his receptions for his foreign guests, Vice Chairman Minh spoke highly of the fruitful bilateral cooperation with Laos and South Korea and in various aspects over recent years.

In his meeting with Laotian guest, the city leader remarked, “Over recent years, Da Nang has entered into numerous cooperation agreements with such Laotian localities as Vientiane, Savannakhet, Champasak, Sekong, Salavan, Attapeu, Bolikhamsai and Xayaburi”.  Under these agreements, the focus has been on promoting bilateral cooperation in agriculture, planning, healthcare, education, culture, social affairs and other aspects.

The host highlighted the significance of furthering the bilateral cooperation with Xaisomboun Province in tourism, natural minerals, energy resources and other aspects in which the 2 sides boast the great strengths.

The Laotian guest said that his province has always given its top priority to issuing many policies for attracting more domestic and foreign investors.  He also asked for help from Da Nang to develop his province’s infrastructure system, and to enhance bilateral cooperation in hydropower, mining, agriculture, and other fields.

Vice Chairman Minh said he hoped that Mr Park would exert every effort to appeal for more businesses from his country to invest in those aspects in which the 2 sides show a keen interest, in his meeting with his South Korean guest.  Included are trade, industry, transport infrastructure development, healthcare and education,

In reply, the visiting diplomat pledged that he would ensure closer links between Da Nang and some South Korean localities which possess valuable experiences in urban planning and the building of ‘smart’ cities.

In particular, Mr Park said he would like the Da Nang authorities to facilitate the opening of the South Korean Consulate General in the city as soon as possible, and offer more support and concern for South Korean nationals who are now living and working here. 

Moreover, more bilateral cultural exchange programmes should be organised in a bid to promote mutual understanding between the people of both countries.

Fully concurring with Mr Park’s proposals, Vice Chairman Minh underscored the need for relevant agencies of the 2 countries to jointly discuss the establishment of the South Korean Consulate General in Da Nang soon.