(VOVworld) - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Monday led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the 2^nd Nuclear Security Summit in the Republic of Korea, where he will then make an official visit at the invitation of President Lee Myung-bak. Vietnam will take the opportunity to confirm its consistent policy of using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and ensuring nuclear safety and security. The Prime Minister’s visit once again demonstrates Vietnam’s wish to promote its strategic partnership with Republic of Korea.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul in 2009

Since the first Nuclear Security Summit took place in the US in 2010, nuclear safety has become a common concern of countries worldwide. This year’s summit gathers 50 heads of state, who will discuss the implementation of political commitments and future orientations.

Participating in the first nuclear summit, Vietnam has been making efforts to realize its commitments by studying international treaties and mechanisms on nuclear security and safety as well as cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other countries in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Vietnam has signed bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements with several other nations. Le Van Hong, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, said: “We need in-depth and detailed studies before implementing atomic energy programs. The Ministry of Science and Technology has planned to invest in study groups for the use of nuclear energy.

Luong Thanh Nghi, Spokesperson for Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry, reiterated the country’s unswerving policy of peaceful uses of nuclear energy: “Vietnam considers nuclear safety a top priority and supports other nations’ right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and efforts for nuclear weapon disarmament and non-proliferation."

After attending the Nuclear Security Summit, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will pay his third official visit to the Republic of Korea. 2012 has been named Vietnam-Republic of Korea Friendship Year and marks the 20^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Seoul has been one of the largest investors in Vietnam with a total registered capital reaching more than 23 billion USD and Vietnam’s 4^th largest trading partner. It has continued increasing Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Vietnam despite other developed countries’ aids cuts and Vietnam’s improved status as a middle income nation. Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Ha Chan-ho told VOV: “We look not only at the aid recipient’s income, but also at the efficiency use of aid. We realized a need to provide more ODA to Vietnam."

A wide range of infrastructure projects such as the Vam Cong bridge, the Ha Noi-Hai Phong expressway, and Quang Nam hospital have become symbols of efficient cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea. Both sides are working to raise two-way trade to 20 billion USD by 2015.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to the Republic of Korea marks 20 years of fruitful cooperation between the two strategic partners and creates a momentum to forge closer ties.

 Anh Huyen