Slovakia fosters co-operation with Vietnam

At the talk on Monday, the two sides agreed to strengthen connections across economics, trade, investment and education and training between the two countries.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his desire to strengthen the traditional ties and relationship with Slovakia. He stressed that Slovakia and Vietnam have inherited the traditional relations that existed with Czechoslovakia. This is an important foundation for the two countries to strengthen co-operation. Prime Minister Robert Fico invited PM Phuc to visit Slovakia in the near future.

PM Fico stressed that Slovakia always considers Vietnam a friendly and long-standing partner. He also expressed his desire to develop relations between Slovakia and Vietnam on the basis of the traditional relationship and mutual benefits of the two countries.

Since 2013, Slovakia has included Vietnam on the list of priority countries for receiving official development assistance. Vietnam and Slovakia have enjoyed dynamic economic and trade co-operation in recent times. The two prime ministers agreed to strengthen trade promotion and investment and create favourable conditions for the two countries' businesses. The two leaders emphasised that both countries wanted to step up co-operation in defence, culture, education and training, and science.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said: "As the member country and the rotating Council Presidency of European Union, Prime Minister Roberto Fico wants to boost the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement in order to help Vietnam to be recognised as a market economy country. In terms of issues related to East Sea, the two prime ministers agreed that all disputes in the East Sea need to be ruled by United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982. It means those disputes will be settled on the basis of international laws respecting for the diplomatic and legal processing. This requires all parties to strictly implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea".

Prime Minister Robert Fico said: "We welcome Vietnam decision on reviewing the visa application processing for Slovakian residents because Vietnam is a safe and attractive destination for Slovakian tourists. As a member country under the Schengen Agreement, Slovakia always strives to support Vietnamese people in the visa application procedures. The two prime ministers agreed that for the benefit of Vietnam and the European Union, the two side need to actively implement the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. We expect that Slovakia will be the first country to approve this agreement".

The two leaders witnessed the signing of a memorandum on comprehensive co-operation in transportation and the plan nuclear safety personnel training between Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute and Slovakia's nuclear power industry.