The talks took place following the welcome ceremony held atthe Presidential Palace – the highest formality for a head of state.
The host hailed the visit as a new and important milestone inthe history of the two Parties and countries, affording the leaders a chance todiscuss each country’s situation, the development of bilateral ties, and regionaland global issues of shared concern.
Congratulating the DPRK people on their great achievementsin national development, he believed that under the leadership of the Party,they will reap even greater achievements in socialism building and improvinglivelihoods.
He affirmed that Vietnam consistently follows the externalpolicy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, andthe multilateralisation and diversification of external ties; while taking onits role as a trustworthy friend and partner, and a responsible member of theinternational community.
The Vietnamese Party, State and people always treasure the traditionalfriendship with the DPRK and want to further intensify ties between the two Partiesand countries for the benefit of the two peoples, contributing to peace, stability,cooperation, and development in the region and the world, he stated.
Kim, for his part, hoped to share experience in nationalconstruction and socio-economic development with Vietnam.
He thanked the host, the Vietnamese Party and its people fortheir warm welcome and active support for the DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit.
The guest highlighted the DPRK Party and State’s consistentstance of valuing the traditional friendship with Vietnam, which was foundedand nurtured by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kim Il-sung, and veteran leaders ofthe two Parties and countries.
Both sides agreed to facilitate high-level visits and contacts;as well as to expand the exchange of all-level delegations via the Party, Stateand mass organisation channels to increase mutual understanding in fields of commondemand.
They will effectively maintain regular dialogue andcooperation mechanisms, including the deputy ministerial-level politicalconsultation and the Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic,Scientific-Technological Cooperation; explore the possibility ofmutually-beneficial collaboration in fields suitable to each side; expandcultural, arts, sports, and people-to-people exchanges; and hold activities tocelebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2020.
On regional and global issues, they pledged to work closelytogether at the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the ASEAN RegionalForum, and to intensify the exchange of ideas on issues regarding peace andstability maintenance in the region.
The host lauded the efforts of the DPRK and the US at theirjust-ended second summit and wished that they would maintain dialogue toimprove bilateral ties and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, anddevelopment in the region.
Kim invited the Vietnamese leader to visit the DRPK at atime of his convenience. The latter thanked the guest and asked both sides’agencies to discuss further via diplomatic channels.–VNA