Mr Dung said that bilateral relations have developed well in all areas, particularly after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Vietnam last October.

Though last year's two-way trade hit US$100 million, it has not matched the potential for bilateral cooperation, said Mr Dung.  

The PM asked the ambassador to work closely with relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies to effectively implement the cooperative agreements on economics, trade, investment, education-training, and science-technology, which were reached during the Slovak PM’s visit.

He said that the Vietnamese government is considering the opening of its embassy in Slovakia to boost ties.

He also thanked Slovakia for providing assistance to Vietnam during the past struggle for national independence and the current process of national construction, as well as to the Vietnamese community living and working in the European nation.

Ambassador Svitek said that he will do his best to promote the multi-faceted cooperation between Slovakia and Vietnam, especially in economics, trade and investment.

Slovakia also wants to increase cooperation with Vietnam in energy, information technology, health care and the environment, he added.