Vietnam and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have affirmed their determination to consolidate and develop their time-honoured friendship in line with the aspirations and for the benefit of the two peoples.

This agreement was affirmed in Hanoi on August 6 at talks between President Truong Tan Sang and the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, Kim Yong Nam.

President Sang said the visit by President Kim Yong Nam and his delegation will contribute to strengthening and developing the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The two sides agreed to maintain the exchange of visits by senior leaders and delegations at all levels, promote mutually beneficial economic cooperation and effectively tap each side's advantages.

They also consented to boost cooperation in agriculture, culture, the arts, sports, education and training as well as and people-to-people exchanges.

The Vietnam-DPRK Inter-Governmental Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation will discuss measures to iron out snags in policies and mechanisms, and promote the exchange of information on economic cooperation.

Both sides will continue coordinating closely at international and regional forums and compare notes on issues of common concern.

Regarding the Korean peninsula, President Sang said Vietnam remains consistent in supporting a peaceful, stable and nuclear-free Korean peninsula.

Vietnam wants the concerned parities to promote flexible dialogues and take more substantial action to promote the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Vietnam supports dialogues, reconciliation, cooperation, peace and unification between the two Koreas and does not support the threat or use of force, said President Sang

Concerning the East Sea issue, President Kim Yong Nam said all disputes and issues related to the East Sea should be settled through peaceful dialogues to promote friendly relations between countries and ensure security and stability in the region.

President Sang extended his regards and sympathy to President Kim Yong Nam over the great loss of human lives and property as a result of natural disasters in his country, adding that Vietnam will donate 5,000 tonnes of rice to support people in the DPRK.

On the occasion, President Young Nam invited President Sang to visit the DPRK./.