Hanoi-Pyongyang Links Strengthened

May 2008 | Risk Summary

Vietnam and North Korea are to boost bilateral co-operation in trade, investment, sports and culture after a visit by Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Dung visited Pyongyang on May 7-9. The visit was a follow-up to that of Communist Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh to Pyongyang in November last year and we foresee increased interaction going forward as North Korea attempts to follow Vietnam's path of economic reform without budging on one-party rule. Indeed, Vietnam could conceivably become a conduit for South Korea and the US to indirectly influence policymaking in Pyongyang. This falls in line with our view of Hanoi taking a more prominent part in regional affairs.

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