Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Czech counterpart Lukas Kaucky conducted a political consultation in Hanoi on March 14 to discuss bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of shared concern. 

At the political consulation

The two officials noted with pleasure the active development of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and the Czech Republic over the years. 

They highlighted the regular exchange of all-level visits, the effective operation of the inter-governmental committee and cooperation mechanisms between ministries and agencies, and close coordination between the two sides at international organisations and multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations and within the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). 

The two sides agreed to join hands in preparations for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (1950-2020). 

The bilateral cooperation in economy-trade, investment, culture, and tourism has made progress, but the two sides still boast significant potential and opportunities to step up partnerships, they said. 

To enhance economic ties, Vietnam called on the Czech Republic to help push ahead with the early signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). 

They agreed on the need to take measures to encourage and create more optimal conditions for businesses of the two countries to cooperate and scope out the respective markets, especially in infrastructure construction, agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, defence, and tourism. 

Son thanked the Czech Government for supporting the Vietnamese community to stabilise their lives in the host country and promote their role in developing the friendship between the two countries. 

Kaucky lauded the contributions of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, saying the country is considering making it easier for Vietnamese citizens to obtain visas to the country for working and business purposes. 

They concurred to foster coordination in international issues of shared concern and stressed their commitments to backing the settlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful measures and in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, thus ensuring security and safety of navigation and aviation in the region.–VNA