Kim Jong Un Replies to Vietnamese President, Promises Closer Bond

Seoul, October 27: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has committed to strengthening the bond between North Korea and Vietnam in a written reply to Vietnamese President To Lam.

Reports from Pyongyang, published on Tuesday, said Kim's response was a direct answer to a message To Lam had sent to mark North Korea's 78th founding anniversary on September 9.

In his reply, dated Monday, Kim thanked To Lam for his good wishes. He said the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries had moved into a new era of growth after their meeting in Pyongyang last October. Kim expressed hope that these ties would expand and flourish in line with the shared interests of the two peoples.

To Lam's letter last month had highlighted steady progress in bilateral relations since the summit. He said both sides had acted on the agreements they reached and that Vietnam was willing to cooperate with North Korea to safeguard peace and stability in the region and the world.

Analysts and officials point to a significant improvement in relations since To Lam's trip in October. That visit was the first by a top Vietnamese leader to North Korea in 18 years.

Diplomatic exchanges have also picked up. In May, Vietnam's Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung met Choe Son Hui in Pyongyang. The following month, the two countries' security ministers held discussions there on public security and law enforcement cooperation.