The two nations have pledged to nearly double bilateral trade and explore closer military ties, with expanded arms sales on the cards.

By Francesco Guarascio and Phuong Nguyen HANOI (Reuters) -New South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will host Vietnam's top leader To Lam on a visit next week, two people familiar with the plan said, as they aim to boost cooperation on technology at a time of global trade tension that could affect their ties.

In a speech at South Korea's Yonsei University, Lam urged South Korean companies to keep investing in Vietnam and warned of the risk of fragmenting supply chains. "Vietnam welcomes South Korean enterprises to expand their investments in the country, emphasising substantive cooperation in technology," Lam said.

Vietnam and South Korea have agreed to strengthen sci-tech cooperation, marking a new milestone in their strategic partnership.

Korea and Vietnam signed 10 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) covering cooperation in areas including science and technology, renewable energy and supply chains at a bilateral summit.