Hanoi:Sculptures honoring North Korean soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War are set to be installed in Hanoi, with the foundation plaque for the monument unveiled at the Vietnam Military History Museum.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ceremony took place on Friday and was attended by North Korean Vice Defense Minister Ryo Chol-ung, his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Truong Thang, North Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Ri Sung-guk, embassy staff, and Vietnamese defense officials.

North Korea is believed to have sent nearly 400 soldiers, including 90 pilots, to Vietnam between 1966 and 1969. The plaque, inscribed with "Feelings of Friendship between Vietnam and DPRK," highlights that the two nations established diplomatic relations in January 1950. It also acknowledges North Korea's material and moral assistance during Vietnam's "anti-U.S. resistance to national salvation."

The text on the plaque praises the combat and self-sacrificing spirit displayed by Korean soldiers as a symbol of international unity and friendship between Vietnam and North Korea. Following the ceremony, the North Korean delegation visited a memorial in Bac Ninh City to honor fallen Korean People's Army soldiers.

This visit by the North Korean delegation, led by Ryo, marks an effort to strengthen bilateral relations. Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed a commitment to enhance ties in a letter to Vietnamese President To Lam. Relations have been warming since Lam's visit to North Korea last October, the first by a Vietnamese president in 18 years. Subsequent visits and talks between high-level officials from both countries have further aimed at expanding cooperation in various sectors.