Vietnamese PM’s visit to Czech Republic gives fresh impetus to bilateral ties

The January 18-20 visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Petr Fiala carries great significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of joint diplomatic relations, said the Vietnamese Ambassador, in interview granted to the press ahead of the PM’s visit.

Building on the achievements and positive developments recorded in bilateral relations in recent years, the two PMs are expected to announce the upgrade of bilateral ties to that of a strategic partnership in Prague, ushering in a new chapter and taking multifaceted cooperation between the two countries to new heights, he said.

According to the Ambassador, talks between the two PMs will cover comprehensive cooperation across fields such as politics-diplomacy, trade-investment, science-technology, education, sports, tourism, labour, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides are anticipated to sign several bilateral cooperation agreements in education, sports, and other fields. They will continue to examine the possibility of opening up direct flights and cultural centres in each country to foster trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Chinh and his spouse will also attend the 2025 Homeland Spring celebration, organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in co-ordination with the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic.

This marks the first time that a high-ranking Vietnamese leader will join this gathering in the Czech Republic, that reaffirms the Vietnamese Government’s consistent policy of recognising overseas Vietnamese communities as an inseparable part of the nation, noted the diplomat.

During the interview, the Ambassador also reviewed major milestones in Vietnam-Czech Republic relations which he said have developed vigorously over the past 75 years.

The two countries have maintained regular visit exchanges, actively worked together and supported each other at multilateral forums and international organisations. They have maintained effective and important bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the Inter-governmental Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation, which meets every two years and has so far held seven meetings. To date, the two sides have signed and implemented about 50 bilateral agreements and arrangements.

Furthermore, the Czech Republic considers Vietnam a leading partner, a gateway connecting ASEAN with Europe, and a priority in the Czech Republic’s Indo-Pacific strategy. The relationship between the two countries has been effectively implemented across many fields, notably politics - diplomacy, trade - investment, energy, innovation, among other fields.

The Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has brought both countries substantial benefits. Nam cited Czech data, saying two-way trade turnover in 2023 reached US$2.9 billion, up 19% compared to 2022, with the figure anticipated to fetch US$3.8 billion in 2024, up 28% year on year.

The Czech Republic was also the first EU member state to ratify the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). It currently has 41 direct investment projects in Vietnam, including the SKODA auto manufacturing plant and the Mong Duong 2 thermal power plant, with a total registered investment capital of US$92.39 million.

The two sides still have a lot of potential and room to expand cooperation to other areas such as green transformation, digital transformation, renewable energy, and mining, noted the Ambassador.

According to the diplomat, approximately 100,000 Vietnamese are residing, working, and studying in the Central European country. They are recognised as a diligent, well-integrated community contributing to the host country’s socio-economic development.

This landmark visit not only celebrates 75 years of diplomacy, but also signals a commitment to deepen ties across multiple domains that will in turn foster a partnership of strategic significance in an evolving global landscape, concluded the diplomat.