South Korea’s leader begins Vietnam visit, targets nuclear, supply chain ties

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Hanoi on April 21 to begin a four-day state visit to Vietnam, following talks in India, as Seoul seeks to deepen economic and strategic cooperation with one of its key manufacturing partners. 

Lee, accompanied by first lady Kim Hea Kyung, landed at Noi Bai International Airport, according to images released by South Korea’s news agency Yonhap News Agency.

On April 22, Lee is scheduled to hold summit talks with Vietnamese leader To Lam, who serves as both president and general secretary of the Communist Party. It is the first visit by a foreign head of state since To Lam consolidated Vietnam’s top leadership posts earlier this month.

The two leaders are expected to discuss strengthening energy security and stabilising supply chains for critical minerals, amid global uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the presidential office in Seoul said.

They are also expected to explore expanded cooperation in nuclear energy and infrastructure, signalling an effort to broaden bilateral economic ties beyond manufacturing and trade.

Vietnam has become a major production hub for South Korean firms and a key partner in Seoul’s strategy to reduce reliance on China-based supply chains.

Bilateral trade reached a record $94.6 billion in 2025, placing both countries among each other’s top three trading partners. They have set a target of $150 billion by 2030.

On April 23, Lee is due to meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, as well as attend a business forum aimed at boosting investment and industrial cooperation. He is scheduled to return to South Korea on April 24.

By Aghakazim Guliyev