President Lee Jae Myung (left), on a state visit to Vietnam, on April 23 poses for photos with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung at the latter's office in Hanoi, Vietnam. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Xu Aiying

President Lee Jae Myung, on a state visit to Vietnam, on April 23 said, "The Korean government will bolster strategic cooperation with Vietnam in nuclear power, transportation infrastructure and energy -- new growth engines for economic development -- to jointly create a new 'miracle on the Red River.'"

He said this in talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung at the latter's office in Hanoi, requesting preferential support for bilateral cooperation.

"The stable flow of energy and logistics underpins industry and efficient financial infrastructure speeds up capital flows," the president said. "Amid the constant flux in global conditions and a difficult external environment, I believe that the Prime Minister's vast experience and insight based on your former position as central bank chief can greatly help lead Vietnam toward stability and prosperity."

Reaffirming his commitment to cooperation, he added, "The success of Vietnam, the driving force of regional economic growth, is also success for us all."

Prime Minister Le responded by saying, "I am confident that President Lee's visit will provide new momentum in the development of bilateral ties."

"Vietnam is focused on carrying out strategic tasks to achieve speedy and sustainable national development," he added, urging Seoul's cooperation and support in this process.

Later that day, President Lee attended a bilateral business forum for talks with executives from both countries on reinforcing economic cooperation.

The event's biggest result was the signing of over 70 memorandums of understanding and contracts. Major areas of cooperation included data centers for artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure; energy such as nuclear plants and power grid construction; setup of factories for secondary batteries and production bases for advanced materials; smart city and infrastructure development; and finance and investment.

xuaiy@korea.kr