Deputy Secretary of the Ha Noi Party Committee and Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vu Dai Thang conducted a bilateral meeting with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, during the official visit of National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man to the Republic of Korea (RoK).
During the event, Thang emphasized that over their three decades of friendship (1996–2026), cooperation between the two capitals, Ha Noi and Seoul, has consistently grown and broadened in vital sectors such as urban management and development, planning, transportation, e-government, culture, tourism, and exchanges between people.
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Recognizing Seoul's remarkable accomplishments in contemporary, sustainable, and innovative urban development, he stated that these represent strategic directions that Ha Noi is emphasizing in its efforts to create a civilized and modern capital city with a rich cultural history.
The leaders of both capitals concurred that to encourage more meaningful cooperation, upcoming collaboration will center on four main areas. The initial aspect encompasses constructing smart cities, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, focusing on technology applications, big data, and AI in urban management, intelligent traffic control, public services, and urban data analysis.
The second aspect focuses on public transportation and eco-friendly urban development, which will promote enhanced sharing of knowledge and expertise in creating urban rail systems and public transit, enhancing the environment, revitalizing waterfronts, and improving public areas.
The third area encompasses science, technology, innovation, investment, and business connectivity. Its emphasis will be on creating a consistent system linking the businesses and innovation networks of the cities.
The final aspect involves exchanges among individuals, culture, education, and tourism, emphasizing the sustainable foundation of Ha Noi–Seoul relations, which relies on the connections and mutual comprehension between their citizens, achieved through the collaborative hosting of cultural events and friendship initiatives, along with partnerships in education and tourism growth.
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To mark the 30th anniversary of their friendship, both parties are preparing to engage in discussions and the signing of a new cooperation agreement in the previously mentioned areas, aiming to establish a new framework soon. This is anticipated to signify a transition from exchanging experiences to collaboratively executing particular programs and initiatives that deliver tangible advantages to their populations.
With a significant Vietnamese population residing, studying, and working in Seoul specifically and the RoK broadly, Thang voiced his hope that the Seoul city administration will persist in focusing on and establishing favorable conditions for the community to settle, study, work, and integrate effectively, thereby positively contributing to local development.
At the end of the meeting, the mayor of Seoul reiterated the significance of the enduring close relationship between the two capitals, which contributes positively to strengthening the Vietnam–RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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Oh stated that Seoul will closely cooperate with Ha Noi to enter a new phase of development that is more substantial, effective, innovative, and forward-looking.