At the political consulation (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Sonand his Czech counterpart Lukas Kaucky conducted a political consultation inHanoi on March 14 to discuss bilateral ties as well as regional andinternational issues of shared concern.
The two officials noted with pleasure the active development of the traditionalfriendship between Vietnam and the Czech Republic over the years.
They highlighted the regular exchange of all-level visits, the effectiveoperation of the inter-governmental committee and cooperation mechanismsbetween ministries and agencies, and close coordination between the two sidesat international organisations and multilateral forums, especially at theUnited Nations and within the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
The two sides agreed to join hands in preparations for the celebration of the70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (1950-2020).
The bilateral cooperation in economy-trade, investment, culture, and tourismhas made progress, but the two sides still boast significant potential andopportunities to step up partnerships, they said.
To enhance economic ties, Vietnam called on the Czech Republic to help pushahead with the early signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free TradeAgreement (EVFTA).
They agreed on the need to take measures to encourage and create more optimalconditions for businesses of the two countries to cooperate and scope out therespective markets, especially in infrastructure construction, agriculture,food processing, renewable energy, defence, and tourism.
Son thanked the Czech Government for supporting the Vietnamese community tostabilise their lives in the host country and promote their role in developingthe friendship between the two countries.
Kaucky lauded the contributions of the Vietnamese community in the CzechRepublic, saying the country is considering making it easier for Vietnamesecitizens to obtain visas to the country for working and business purposes.
They concurred to foster coordination in international issues of shared concernand stressed their commitments to backing the settlement of disputes in theEast Sea by peaceful measures and in line with international law, including the1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, thus ensuring securityand safety of navigation and aviation in the region.–VNA
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