Prague (VNA)ജ – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala declared the upgrading of the Vietnam-Czech relations to a strategic partnership during their talks in Prague on January 20.

The two leaders agreed to soon establish an action programme to implement the Vietnam-Czech strategic partnership framework in a substantive and practical manner, in line with the cooperation framework between the two countries in the new context. With this decision, the Czech Republic becomes the first Central and Eastern European country in the EU to have a strategic partnership with Vietnam. Both sides consented to enhance cooperation within the newly-established strategic partnership framework, including signed agreements between the two countries, promote cooperation in traditional areas such as defence - security, trade - investment, science - technology, education - training, culture - tourism, and people-to-people exchange, while also expanding cooperation into new growth-driving fields such as renewable energy, innovation, digital transformation, green economy, circular economy, information technology, health care, mining, energy, and food security. They affirmed the commitment of the high-ranking leaders of both countries to further step up cooperation in areas where both sides have strengths and needs, with the spirit of what has been said will be done, and what has been committed will be fulfilled, for the benefit of the two countries' people, and for peace, stability, and sustainable development in the regions and globally. Regarding trade and investment, both sides agreed to continue implementing existing economic cooperation mechanisms, encouraging Czech enterprises to increase investment in Vietnam, especially in sectors where the Czech Republic has strengths, such as automotive supporting industry, renewable energy, machinery manufacturing, mining and processing of minerals, chemicals, and food processing. They will work together to effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). The Vietnamese PM urged the Czech Government to hasten the remaining EU countries to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to advocate for the European Commission (EC) to soon lift the yellow card warning on Vietnamese seafood exports, given Vietnam's serious efforts to fully implement the EC's recommendations on sustainable fishing development, as well as the interests of Czech and EU consumers. Both sides agreed to support each other in serving as gateways for their goods into the ASEAN and EU markets.

During the talks, PM Chinh emphasised that the Vietnamese people always remember the noble, sincere, and selfless support that the Czech Republic has provided to Vietnam during its struggle for national liberation in the past, as well as the current national construction and development. He affirmed that Vietnam highly values and wishes to strengthen its relationship with the Czech Republic, a traditional friend and a top priority partner for Vietnam in Central and Eastern Europe. The two PMs talked about the socio-economic situations of their respective countries, bilateral cooperation, and regional and international issues of mutual concern, agreeing that there is still significant potential for developing their ties.

They expressed pleasure at the positive developments in the bilateral relationship, particularly in the areas of politics, diplomacy, security, defence, trade, investment, and education. Both sides agreed to enhance the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high levels through Party, State, Government, and National Assembly channels.

PM Fiala congratulated Vietnam on its impressive socio-economic achievements, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. He described Vietnam as one of the Czech Republic’s most promising markets in the Asia-Pacific region, noting the growing interest of Czech businesses in expanding investment and trade activities in the Southeast Asian nation.

He agreed on the need to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas such as food industry, manufacturing, and mining and mineral processing. He also agreed with the Vietnamese PM's proposal to establish a direct flight route between the two countries to facilitate people-to-people exchanges and tourism.

Fiala praised Vietnam's decision to waive visas for Czech citizens in 2025, calling it a significant boost for tourism and people-to-people exchanges. He also suggested the Vietnamese government support the establishment of a Czech cultural centre in Vietnam, viewing it as a vital platform to strengthen mutual understanding between the two countries' people.

The leaders instructed their respective ministries and agencies to make thorough preparations for the 8th Vietnam-Czech Republic intergovernmental committee meeting on economic cooperation.

Chinh expressed gratitude to Fiala and the Czech government for their support to the Vietnamese community in the European country. He urged continued favourable conditions for the community in the coming time so that they can act as a bridge for friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

The host leader appreciated the vital role of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, considering it an important bridge between the two countries, pledging further support for them in the future.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of all-people, global and comprehensive approaches in addressing challenges in an ever-changing world. They reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations, thus promoting peace, security, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea issue, the two sides agreed that disputes and conflicts in the world should be resolved through peaceful means, on the basis of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflights in the regions and the world, for global cooperation and prosperity.

The leaders highlighted the importance of defence - security cooperation, pledging to enhance collaboration in UN peacekeeping operations, military trade, defence industry, and pilot training as well as increase delegation exchanges to share experience, and boost coordination in combating organised, transnational and hi-tech crimes, illegal migration, and drug trafficking.

On this occasion, Chinh invited Fiala to visit Vietnam soon and his invitation was accepted with pleasure.

After their talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements in education and aviation.

Later, they held a joint press conference to announce the outcomes of their talks during which Fiala highlighted the significance of Chinh’s visit, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations. The two sides agreed to elevate the Vietnam-Czech Republic relationship to a strategic partnership, showing the Czech Republic's appreciation of Vietnam’s role and position as its most important partner in Southeast Asia.

Acknowledging that ample room remains for Vietnam-Czech Republic cooperation, Fiala said he believes that the two countries will seize opportunities and make efforts to advance ties through concrete programmes and projects.

ܫ PM Chinh stressed the importance of renewing traditional areas of collaboration and explore new fields for the benefits of both nations and their people as well as for peace, cooperation, and development in the regions and the world./.