Seoul:<Text>

South Korea and Vietnam have agreed to expand cooperation in urban and transportation development projects as part of broader bilateral ties discussed during summit talks between the two countries, the land ministry said Friday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport reported that Minister Kim Yun-duk held discussions with his Vietnamese counterpart, Tran Hong Minh, on Tuesday, seeking support for the Dongnam New City project in Bac Ninh Province near Hanoi. This project, valued at US$740 million, involves numerous South Korean companies and aims to establish a new self-sufficient town integrating housing, commerce, business, culture, and public infrastructure.

During a partnership forum, both nations explored ways to enhance strategic cooperation on projects covering infrastructure modernization, transportation, and urban development. On Wednesday, Minister Kim participated in a ceremony celebrating the completion of a multifunctional complex at Starlake City in Hanoi. This project is a joint effort between South Korea and Vietnam to develop residential, commercial, educational, and administrative centers around West Lake.

The newly completed multifunctional complex includes offices, a hotel, and retail facilities, with Daewoo Engineering and Construction and other Korean companies involved in development, investment, construction, and operation. Additionally, Hyundai Rotem Co. signed a 491 billion-won (US$332 million) contract on Wednesday to provide driverless trains for Ho Chi Minh City's Metro Line No. 2, which is expected to commence operations in 2030.