Parliamentary exchanges bolster Vietnam–RoK people-to-people ties: scholar

Parliamentary diplomacy complements high-level and government diplomacy while providing a channel to discuss issues directly affecting people’s lives, including education, employment, business, immigration and cultural exchanges, said Professor Park Yeon Kwan. He emphasized that parliamentary exchanges create new frameworks and momentum for bilateral ties, playing an indispensable role in strengthening people-to-people connections. This goes beyond mere government-to-government agreements, fostering deeper mutual understanding and cooperation at the citizen level. Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) have long maintained close ties in economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. Both nations are crucial partners in sharing economic growth and pursuing sustainable prosperity. The RoK is one of Vietnam's major investors, with numerous Korean companies operating in Vietnam. Active exchanges of workers from Vietnam and cultural interactions are also prevalent. Against this backdrop, parliamentary exchanges between the two countries hold the potential to yield concrete outcomes, such as deepening economic cooperation, addressing labor market challenges, and promoting cultural exchanges. The upcoming official visits of the Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman to the RoK and Mongolia further heighten expectations for the further development of bilateral relations. Within Vietnam's one-party system, the National Assembly plays a vital role in conveying citizens' opinions to the government. Parliamentary exchanges with the RoK offer a valuable opportunity for Vietnam to deepen its engagement with the international community and advance policies that contribute to improving citizens' lives.