Yoon Concludes 4-Night 6-Day Tour... From Expo Support to Sales Diplomacy

Returning on the 24th after France and Vietnam tours
Strengthening economic cooperation through Korea-France and Korea-Vietnam summits

President Yoon Suk-yeol embarked on his return journey on the 24th (local time) after a 4-night, 6-day tour of France and Vietnam.

On the afternoon of the same day, President Yoon boarded the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, receiving a send-off from Ambassador Oh Young-joo, the Korean Ambassador to Vietnam; Jang Eun-sook, President of the Hanoi Korean Association; Hong Seon, President of the Vietnam Korean Business Association; the Chief of Staff of the Vietnamese National Assembly; Thang, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee; Ambassador Dung, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea; the Chief of Protocol; Director Le of the Presidential Office’s Foreign Affairs Department; and Director Bing of the Northeast Asia Department.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee, having completed the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) and a state visit to Vietnam, are departing for home on the 24th (local time) at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Starting from France on the 19th, President Yoon held a Korea-France summit with President Macron at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris on the 20th. The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in advanced technology and future strategic industries amid a world facing uncertainty and complex crises. They specifically emphasized the importance of cooperation in future strategic industries such as space and aviation. They also discussed strengthening collaboration in areas including energy, batteries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, nuclear power, space, defense, and aviation.

Following this, President Yoon personally delivered a presentation at the General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE). He highlighted Busan’s strengths and distinctiveness as the host city for the Expo, and on the 21st, he attended the BIE reception to appeal for support. Additionally, President Yoon participated in the Paris Digital Vision Forum and the European regional investment inauguration ceremony.

On the 22nd, he moved to Vietnam, visiting Korean language education institutions, attending the Korea-Vietnam Partnership Expo, and participating in the Korea-Vietnam Cultural Exchange Night event. On the 23rd, he held a summit with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong. Through the summit, the two leaders defined the bilateral relationship as a "precious 30-year friendship" and agreed on the importance of cooperation between the two countries amid the severe international situation and global complex crises.

In particular, President Thuong expressed gratitude to President Yoon for choosing Vietnam as the first ASEAN country for a state visit and shared a mutual understanding of the need for long-term development of Korea-Vietnam relations. President Thuong stated, "Vietnam prioritizes Korea as an important country in its socio-economic development projects and foreign policy, and Vietnam wishes to develop the comprehensive strategic partnership effectively and long-term together with Korea."

There were also achievements in sales diplomacy. The economic delegation and Vietnamese businesspeople signed 111 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) across various industrial sectors. Following 54 MOUs in trade areas such as defense, consumer goods, healthcare, and food, 28 MOUs related to technological cooperation in electric vehicles and advanced industries, and 29 MOUs for supply chain and future cooperation including critical minerals and greenhouse gas reduction were signed, totaling a record 111 MOUs. Additionally, President Yoon spent time with young talents from both Korea and Vietnam. He left them with the message, "The government of the Republic of Korea and Korean companies will spare no effort to support you in realizing your dreams."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.