Vietnam, Czech Republic hold political consultation

They agreed to bolster business cooperation in infrastructure, renewable energy, mechanical engineering and telecom. 

Czech Deputy FM Lukas Kaucky pledged the Czech government’s support for early ratification of EU Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EUVFTA) and support peaceful solutions to the East Sea dispute by international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He expressed his nation's desire to boost the traditional cooperation with Vietnam in the field of labour, especially to bring Vietnamese nurses and doctors to work in Czech under long-term contracts. 

"The the Czech government is considering easing short-term and long-term visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens who are in Czech for tourism, study, work and visiting relatives," he told his host.

Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son thanked the Czech government for offering favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country to enjoy a stable life. 

The two diplomats noted satisfaction over frequent exchanges of high-ranking delegations and the effective operation of cooperation mechanisms like consultation between ministries and the inter-governmental committee. 

However, they said the bilateral trade and economic ties are still below potential and expectations despite recent expansion, saying more measures should be taken to help business enhance links in areas like infrastructure, renewable energy, agricultural engineering, electric equipment, and food processing. 

Both sides highlighted the cooperation of the two foreign ministries, including the maintenance of political consultation mechanism and coordination of viewpoints in important international issues. 

Deputy Minister Lukas Kaucky signed an agreement between the two governments on cooperation in culture, education, science, youth and sport. He also visited some cultural establishments and hospitals in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.