North Korean leader sees Vietnam as a “model of development”

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un mentioned Vietnam many times during the recent inter-Korean summit. Photo: AP

Specifically, the North Korean leader praised Vietnam's rising prosperity as a good sign and a "development model" for many socialist-oriented countries under the leadership of the Communist Party but still aiming to open up the market economy.

During a private conversation with President Moon Jae-in within the framework of the inter-Korean summit held at the Panmunjom truce village on April 27, Mr. Kim Jong-un shared his vision of reforming and opening up the country following the model of Vietnam.

The unnamed official added that Mr. Kim said that Vietnam began its economic reform in 1986 by adopting an open market economy model and attracting foreign investment while maintaining its socialist identity.

In addition, according to the North Korean leader, Vietnam is considered to be freer than China and maintains friendly relations with the US. According to Mr. Kim, Hanoi implements a multi-dimensional foreign policy very "skillfully".

Leader Kim Jong-un hopes North Korea will make rapid economic progress and considers Vietnam's model "extremely reasonable".

According to this source, Mr. Kim Jong-un believes that improving relations with the US is decisive in attracting foreign investment.

Therefore, the North Korean leader is likely to discuss Vietnam's opening model in his dialogue with US President Donald Trump at the upcoming summit, scheduled to take place in late May or early June.