Seoul (VNA) - Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan of the Republic of Korea (ROK) presented the country's diplomatic service merit "Kwanghwa Order" to Vietnamese Ambassador Duong Chinh Thuc in recognition of his contributions to the close friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

PM Lee, who received the out-going Vietnamese ambassador on Wednesday, said that the Korean government will always promote bilateral ties with Viet Nam in line with the "Comprehensive partnership in the 21st century" declaration signed by the two nations.

He also praised Viet Nam's achievements in the renovation process and its potential and prospects for development.

The Korean leader also thanked the government and people of Viet Nam for their continued support for peace, reconciliation and reunification on the Korean peninsula.

Earlier, Ambassador Thuc also paid farewell visits to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki-moon and other senior officials of the ROK./.