Vietnam, DPRK sign series of agreements during Party chief’s visit
The newly signed documents mark a new stage in the 75-year Vietnam–DPRK friendship, reflecting both sides’ determination to deepen practical cooperation across multiple fields and promote mutual understanding between their peoples.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on October 10 signed a series of cooperation agreements in Pyongyang during the state visit of General Secretary To Lam, marking a new step in the traditional friendship between the two nations.
Agreement on defense cooperation between Vietnam and DPRK signed on October 10. Photo: QDND
The agreements cover key areas including diplomacy, defense, health, media and business. They include a Cooperation Agreement between the two ministries of Foreign Affairs; a Letter of Intent on defense cooperation between the two Ministries of National Defense; a Cooperation Agreement between the Vietnam News Agency and the Korean Central News Agency; a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in health and medical sciences between the two Ministries of Health and an MoU between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the DPRK Chamber of Commerce.
Vietnam and the DPRK established diplomatic relations in 1950 under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and President Kim Il Sung. Over the past 75 years, their traditional friendship and cooperation have been continually strengthened and expanded.
In recent years, Vietnam–DPRK relations have continued to develop in a stable and effective manner, achieving encouraging results in areas such as culture, health, civil aviation, justice, investment and trade.
The two sides have maintained political consultations at the deputy foreign minister level and an intergovernmental committee on economic, trade, scientific and technical cooperation.
At the same time, people-to-people exchanges have been strengthened and expanded, helping both nations, especially younger generations, gain a deeper understanding of the traditional friendship and solidarity between their Parties, States and peoples, laying a strong foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam–DPRK relations in the future.
General Secretary To Lam and the high-level Vietnamese delegation pay tribute to President Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang on October 10. Photos: VNA
Party chief To Lam pays tribute to late DPRK leaders
General Secretary To Lam and the high-level Vietnamese delegation today laid wreaths in tribute to President Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong-il at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang.
He paid the tribute during his three-day state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and attendance at the celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
In the guestbook, the Vietnamese Party chief expressed respect and admiration for the two great leaders of the Korean people who are longtime friends of the Vietnamese Party, State and people.
He reaffirmed Vietnam’s gratitude for the enduring friendship fostered by generations of Korean leaders and stressed the country’s commitment to advancing Vietnam–DPRK relations for peace and shared prosperity.
On the same day, General Secretary To Lam visited Mangyongdae, the birthplace of President Kim Il Sung, and the the Juche-Oriented Musical Art Museum, which showcases the evolution of the DPRK’s revolutionary music.
He praised the creativity and cultural spirit of the Korean people, saying that culture and music serve as a source of strength and inspiration.
General Secretary To Lam visited Kyongsang Kindergarten in Pyongyang on October 9.
Visit to kindergarten having Ho Chi Minh classroom
On October 9, General Secretary To Lam visited Kyongsang Kindergarten in Pyongyang, where he toured the classroom named after President Ho Chi Minh and attended a musical performance by the students celebrating Vietnam–DPRK friendship.
He presented gifts to the teachers and students, expressing warm sentiments toward the school community.
Founded in 1954, Kyongsang Kindergarten is a leading music-training institution in the DPRK with close ties to the Vietnam–DPRK Friendship Kindergarten in Hanoi. In 2011, the two schools signed a cooperation agreement and established the Ho Chi Minh classroom to strengthen bilateral friendship.
Later that day, the General Secretary attended a special art performance marking the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and a state banquet hosted by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un.
President Ho Chi Minh statue in Pyongyang.
Inauguration of President Ho Chi Minh statue in Pyongyang
October 10, To Lam and the high-level Vietnamese delegation attended the inauguration ceremony of the statue of President Ho Chi Minh at the Embassy of Vietnam in Pyongyang.
The event was attended by Jo Yong Won, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau and Secretary of the Central Committee, along with representatives from various DPRK ministries and agencies.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the DPRK Le Ba Vinh said that the statue of President Ho Chi Minh revered as a hero of national liberation and a close friend of the Korean people, symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations.
