Vietnam and Czech Republic upgrade ties to strategic partnership

The two sides would soon formulate an action programme to implement the new strategic partnership framework in a deeper, more practical manner in the new context.

With this decision, the Czech Republic becomes the first Central and Eastern European country in the EU to establish the strategic partnership with Vietnam.

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always 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.

Meanwhile, Fiala highlighted Vietnam as one of the most promising markets for the Czech Republic in the Asia-Pacific region, and noted that an increasing number of Czech businesses are keen to expand their investment and operations in Vietnam.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the newly established Strategic Partnership, including signed agreements between the two countries. They committed to enhancing cooperation in traditional areas such as defense and security, trade and investment, science and technology, education and training, culture and tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They also consented to expand cooperation into potential fields such as renewable energy, innovation, digital transformation, green and circular economy, information technology, health care, mining, energy, and food security.

With regard to trade and investment, the two sides pledged to further implement existing economic cooperation mechanisms. They encouraged Czech businesses to increase investment in Vietnam, particularly in sectors where the Czech Republic has strengths, such as automotive supporting industries, renewable energy, machinery manufacturing, mining and mineral processing, chemicals, and food processing.

Both sides vowed to effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

The Vietnamese Prime Minister called on the Czech government to help expedite the remaining EU countries’ ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to support the European Commission (EC) in lifting the ‘yellow card’ against Vietnamese seafood exports into the bloc.

The two sides also agreed to facilitate mutual market access, positioning themselves as gateways for each other’s goods into the ASEAN and EU markets.

Fiala welcomed Chinh’s proposal to establish a direct flight route between the two countries and via the Czech Republic to Central and Eastern Europe to enhance people-to-people exchanges and tourism. He highly appreciated Vietnam’s decision to grant visa exemptions to Czech citizens in 2025, considering it a significant boost for tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges.

He also suggested that the Vietnamese government support the establishment of a Czech cultural center in Vietnam, viewing it as an important channel to increase mutual understanding between the two peoples.

The two Prime Ministers instructed relevant ministries and agencies of both countries to carefully prepare for the eighth session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation.

Chinh thanked the Czech government for their attention and requested continued support for the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic to live, work, and study stably.

Discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea, both sides shared the view that disputes and conflicts worldwide should be resolved through peaceful means based on the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region and the world, contributing to global cooperation and prosperity.

The two leaders highlighted the significance of defense and security cooperation, and agreed to promote Vietnam – Czech collaboration in United Nations peacekeeping operations, military trade, defense industry, and pilot training. They also stressed the importance of enhancing delegation exchanges to share experiences and coordinate in combating crime, especially organized crime, transnational crime, high-tech crime, illegal migration, and drug trafficking.

Following the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements between the two countries in education and aviation.

On this occasion, Chinh extended a cordial invitation to Fiala to visit Vietnam again soon, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.