Vietnam’s Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich and RoK Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon in Seoul, April 24, 2018. (Photo: Manh Hung/VNA)

The signing ceremony followed talks between Vietnam’s Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich and his RoK counterpart Song Young-moo in Seoul on Tuesday. Mr. Lich said the statement will strengthen defence relations on par with the strategic relationship between the two countries. The two sides agreed to enhance coordination at multilateral defence and military forums.

During a separate meeting with Minister Lich, RoK Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon applauded the statement and said the RoK considers Vietnam a focus in its “New Look South Policy”. He affirmed that the RoK wants to expand cooperation with Vietnam in external affairs and economy.