Vietnam, Slovakia examine ways to boost stronger ties

Bilateral economic and trade ties between Vietnam and Slovakia has grown steadily over the past years, with an average annual two-way trade reaching roughly US$300 million. Slovakia is carrying out five projects in Vietnam while the Southeast Asian country has just one project in Slovakia.

The two PMs agreed to improve the efficiency of the Vietnam-Slovakia Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation, and increase trade and investment promotion.

They affirmed their readiness to offer the best possible conditions for their businesses to set up partnerships, especially in infrastructure construction, food processing, pharmaceutical products, urban and public transport planning, environmental protection and water resource management.

The two leaders also concurred to step up cooperation in national defence and security, culture, education-training, science and technology.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighted PM Robert Fico’s as fresh impetus to deepening the time-honoured friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in an effective and practical manner in the new period.

Phuc reiterated Vietnam's recognition of importance to strengthening and developing relations with its traditional friends, including Slovakia.

Congratulating PM Robert Fico and the Slovakian Government on Slovakia’s assumption of the EU’s rotating presidency, Phuc expressed his belief that the country will outperform this post in the context that the union is facing a number of challenges.

Robert Fico said his nation always regards Vietnam as a friendly and long-standing partner, and wants to further boost ties with the Southeast Asian country across a variety of fields.

Robert Fico underlined Slovakia’s backing of enhanced relations between Vietnam and the EU as well as the signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He promised to speed up the EU’s recognition of Vietnam’s full market economy at the same time with the official signing of the pact.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the two countries’ close and effective coordination at international forums.

They shared their concerns over recent developments in the East Sea and emphasized the need to settle disputes in the waters through peaceful measures and in line with international law, the UN Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and seriously observe the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea towards the early formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

They considered this an effective method to ensure peace, stability, maritime and aviation security, safety and freedom, and trading in the East Sea.

PM Robert Fico invited PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc to pay an official visit to Slovakia in the coming time and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

Following their talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in transportation, information and communications, investment and education and hosted a press briefing to announce outcomes of their talks.