Vietnamese Consulate General makes debut in Busan

At the inauguration ceremony, the General Secretary and his spouse officially activated the opening of the Consulate General, underscoring the Party and State's deep commitment to the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in southern South Korea.

As South Korea's largest port and a vibrant economic and cultural hub, Busan ranks 12th globally in smart city criteria and is striving to become a global metropolis and innovation center. The city is home to over 15,000 Vietnamese—the largest foreign community in Busan.

The Consulate General is expected to serve as a shared home for Vietnamese nationals, offering support, fostering connections, and preserving Vietnamese culture, language, and identity. It will also act as a trusted bridge for businesses from both nations to seek partners, share opportunities, and grow together, thereby strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Addressing the 30th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh City–Busan relations, General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed that South Korea has always been among Viet Nam's top foreign policy priorities, making significant contributions to Viet Nam's socio-economic development. He stressed that today's events are concrete steps toward implementing high-level agreements, aiming to elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries to new heights for the benefits of both peoples and to contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

Congratulating Busan on its achievements and aspirations to become a global city, To Lam highlighted the city's positive role in fostering cooperation with Vietnamese localities and strengthening bilateral relations. He noted the shared potential and advantages of Busan and Ho Chi Minh City as leading economic hubs and innovation centers, with ample conditions for continued cooperation. 

Over three decades of partnership, the two cities have accumulated valuable experience and forged comprehensive cooperation in economic, cultural, social, and people-to-people exchange—serving as a model for locality-to-locality ties between Viet Nam and South Korea.

He also expressed hope that Busan would expand partnerships with more Vietnamese cities and provinces.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son presented the "For the Cause of Viet Nam's Diplomacy" insignia to Park Soo-kwan, former Honorary Consul General of Viet Nam in Busan./.