By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam will make a four-day, three-night state visit to South Korea starting on Aug. 10. This will be the first visit by a foreign leader to South Korea since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung announced on Aug. 7, "Through the summit and state dinner on Aug. 11, President Lee plans to hold in-depth discussions with General Secretary Lam on politics, security, trade, and investment, as well as future strategic areas such as national infrastructure, science and technology, and talent development, including nuclear power plants, high-speed railways, and smart cities."

Spokesperson Kang added, "Vietnam is our comprehensive strategic partner and a key partner within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Secretary-General Lam's state visit to Korea will reaffirm the commitment of both countries to developing a more future-oriented and mutually beneficial relationship between Korea and Vietnam, and we anticipate it will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation with ASEAN."

The economic sector is expected to be a major topic of discussion at the summit. Korea is Vietnam's largest cumulative investor. In particular, US President Donald Trump's imposition of a 20% reciprocal tariff on Vietnam has Korean companies operating in Vietnam paying close attention to its impact. Spokesperson Kang stated, "I anticipate that tariffs will also be addressed naturally during the summit talks."

Secretary-General Lam will also hold a series of meetings with heads of major companies during his visit. He is expected to meet with heads of companies with operations in Vietnam, including Samsung, Hyundai Motor, SK, and LG, to discuss investment plans and incentives.

Secretary General Lam is reportedly very interested in Korean culture and arts. Spokesperson Kang said, "I understand that Secretary General Lam has many requests for places he would like to visit and meet with in relation to culture and arts. Discussions are focused on those areas, as we understand there are also people he would like to meet with."

This is the first visit to Korea by a Vietnamese Communist Party Secretary General in 11 years. In October 2014, then-Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong paid a state visit to Korea and held a summit with President Park Geun-hye. This summit led to the conclusion of the Korea-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (FTA).