President Lee Jae-myung, on a state visit to Vietnam, said on the 22nd (local time), "Today, we acutely feel the preciousness of peace that spans not only the Korean Peninsula and Asia but the entire international community." The remark is seen as referring to the heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the war between the United States and Iran.
In a toast at the state banquet held in downtown Hanoi that day, Lee said, "Peace is the most important foundation that supports our prosperity and future."
Lee said, "Our two countries (Korea and Vietnam), which have overcome the pain of war and achieved development, understand the value of peace better than anyone and deeply share the importance of dialogue and compromise," adding, "Based on this understanding, I hope Korea and Vietnam will join hands to open a future of peace and prosperity."
Lee also said, "This year marks the 800th year since Prince Ly Yong-sang of the Ly Dynasty settled in Goryeo," and assessed, "The ties between our two countries, which began with small exchanges, have now grown into the closest neighbors, with 5 million people traveling back and forth annually."
He added, "The Han River, which runs across the Republic of Korea, and the Red River, which embraces Hanoi, are being connected here as one," and "The vision and promises we shared today will become countless streams of cooperation that meet in the great sea of shared prosperity."
In response, To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and state president, said, "Like Korea's doenjang, the flavor of Vietnam's 'dương bần' fermented soybean paste deepens as it ages. This is like the friendship between our two countries, which grows stronger over time."
He emphasized, "Koreans often say, 'Even a sheet of paper is lighter when lifted together.' The partnership between our two countries will contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world."
At the start of his toast that day, Lee greeted in Vietnamese, saying "Xin chào (thank you)," and at the end of his remarks offered a toast, "Chúc sức khỏe (to your health)." General Secretary Lam also drew laughter from the audience by asking for a wine toast at the end of his remarks and saying "thank you" in Korean.
In addition to government officials, business leaders including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, Lotte Corporation Chairman Shin Dong-bin, POSCO Holdings Chairman Chang In-hwa, and HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun attended the banquet.