(VOVworld) – Vietnam and the Republic of Korea have become reliable political counterparts since both countries established their strategic partnership in 2009.

President Truong Tan Sang and Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo

President Truong Tan Sang made the statement at a reception for visiting Korean Defence Minister Han Min-koo in Hanoi on Thursday adding that both countries have had regular exchanges of visits at all levels while Korea has been Vietnam’s leading trade partner.

The two countries also share similarities in culture with more than 100,000 people living in each nation.

President Truong Tan Sang praised the outcome of the talks between Minister Phung Quang Thanh and Minister Han Min-koo and asked both sides to realize the signed agreements.