Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong gave a reception for Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Hanoi on July 18.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Hanoi on July 18.

He welcomed high-level political dialogues between states, governments, parliaments and ruling parties of the two countries, suggesting the two countries continue to maintain delegation exchanges and fortify cooperation between their ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises.

He thanked the Slovak government for facilitating the Vietnamese community to live and work in the host country.

The Party leader called on Slovakia continue to support the just stance on the East Sea issue of Vietnam and ASEAN.

For his part, Slovak PM Fico affirmed Slovakia has always attached importance to consolidating and developing traditional friendship and cooperation with Vietnam.

The country will endeavour to accelerate the implementation of signed cooperation agreements between the two countries in the spheres of economics, trade, science-technology, culture and labour-society, he said.

The PM stressed as the rotating president of the European Union (EU) from July 2016, Slovakia will do its utmost to bolster relationship between the EU and Vietnam, closely coordinate with the southeast Asian country at international forums.

NA Chairwoman welcomes Slovak Prime Minister

Vietnam always attaches importance to reinforcing and promoting relations with traditional friends, including Slovakia, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan told visiting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

During a reception for PM Robert Fico in Hanoi on July 18, the Vietnamese top legislator said that the guest’s visit reflects political trust between Vietnam and Slovakia, saying it will contribute to strongly promoting the bilateral relations.

She thanked the Slovak Government and people for their support for Vietnamese expats in the host country, affirming that they are serving as a bridge boosting friendship and trade links between the two nations.

She expressed her hope that the Slovak Prime Minister will work to create favourable conditions for Slovak enterprises to invest in Vietnam,.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the NA Chairwoman called on Slovakia to continue backing the viewpoint of Vietnam and ASEAN on the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law.

On the occasion, she conveyed an invitation to the Speaker of the Slovak National Council to visit Vietnam.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico spoke highly of achievements made by Vietnam during its renewal process, especially in economic development.

Appreciating the role play by the Vietnamese NA in building legal system, the guest suggested the two sides maintain exchange of visits, including those of friendship parliamentarian groups and their legislative bodies’ committees, towards fostering cooperation and experience sharing in law making and supervision.

Informing the host of the outcomes of his talks with Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, PM Fico said the two counties can enhance economic cooperation in the coming time.

Slovakia hopes the freshly-concluded free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Union (EVFTA) will be soon enforced, affirming that as the rotating presidency of the EU, his country will closely monitor the ratification process of the agreement at parliaments of EU member nations.

Vietnam, Slovakia enhance trade

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has stressed that the Vietnamese Government always welcomes and supports foreign firms and Slovak ones in particular to expand their business in Vietnam.

Speaking at the Vietnam-Slovakia business forum in Hanoi on July 18, Hue said Slovak enterprises should not only target Vietnam with a 90 million population but also ASEAN with more than 600 million people – the most vibrant economy at present.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said as a member of the European Union, Slovakia is ready to facilitate visits and consultations with Vietnam, offering all possible support to the two countries’ businesses.

Vietnamese enterprises are a traditional and important partner of Slovakia, he said.

In his opening speech, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc said the cooperation between the two countries is yet to meet their potential and needs further efforts to boost trade and investment.

The forum was hosted by the VCCI.

VNA