The President(left) and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung

The President, who is in Vietnam for a state visit, recognized and expressed his appreciation of the rapidly growing bilateral ties between Korea and Vietnam on Wednesday (Oct. 21), in his meetings with Vietnamese President, Prime Minister and Secretary-General of the Communist Party.

In particular, meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, President Lee expressed great interest in Vietnam''s Hong River development project. The grand project was suggested in 2005 by then-mayor of Seoul Lee Myung-bak, after a feasibility study which had cost US$5 million.
 

President Lee asked the Prime Minister to pay keen attention to the project''s progress. The Hong River project is important and necessary, considering ongoing global climate change, added the President.

Before the talk with the Prime Minister, Lee met the CEOs of both countries and Korean nationals living in Vietnam.

At the Korea-Vietnam CEO forum held at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, President Lee asked for the CEOs of the two countries to forge a "green partnership" and become close partners in developing newer energy resources, innovating industrial infrastructure and pursuing eco-friendly development.

President Lee also met about 30 representatives of Korean nationals living in Vietnam at a local hotel, and asked them to do their best to contribute to the enhancement of bilateral ties between Korea and Vietnam.

The President wrapped up his schedule in the capital city by attending a dinner reception hosted by Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet.