During the meeting, which is expected to contribute to boosting the strategic partnership between the two countries, especially in culture, sports and tourism, Anh emphasised that in recent years Vietnam and the RoK have shared significant development in their comprehensive cooperation.

He noted that various activities have taken place in both countries this year to mark the 20 th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

Anh said he hopes that the RoK will share its experience organising the Asian Games (ASIAD) in 2014, so Vietnam can better prepare for the following event in 2019.

He called for the RoK's involvement in two projects that will serve the organisation of ASIAD 2019, including the building of a velodrome and a multi-functional sport hall.

Anh also expressed his hope that the RoK will help Vietnam train aspiring footballers.

Choe Kwang-shik affirmed that his country will continue to link arms with Vietnam to broaden the strategic partnership between the two countries, especially in the fields of culture, sports and tourism.

He cited the opening of the RoK Culture Centre in Hanoi in 2006 - the RoK's first cultural centre in Southeast Asia - as an example of his country's wish to increase cultural exchange between the two countries. In the future, the RoK will open a copyright centre in Vietnam to boost bilateral cooperation in the field, he added.

The RoK will also actively support Vietnam in constructing the necessary facilities for ASIAD 2019, he said, while calling for Vietnam's support for its idea to build an Asian Culture Centre in the RoK.

The RoK is now the second largest tourism market for Vietnam, with 700,000 RoK visitors arriving in the country this year. Meanwhile, the number of Vietnamese people traveling to the RoK has increased in recent years.

Within the framework of his three-day visit, Choe Kwang-shik is scheduled to attend a Vietnam-RoK art and music programme that will bring to a close the two countries' friendship year.