Slovakia, Vietnam boost cooperation

During his stay, Son held talks with Deputy Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Renáta Zmajkovičová, briefing his host on Vietnam’s recent socio-economic achievements and future economic development goals.

He spoke glowingly of Slovakia’s increasing position in the European Union and revealed Vietnam will mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Czechoslovakia in 2015.

He thanked the Slovak National Council and Government for its open door policy, creating favourable conditions for approximately 6,000 Vietnamese people to reside and work in the country.

Son appreciated Slovakia’s support for the EU’s statement on the East Sea on May 8 and for supporting Vietnam’s unwavering stance of resolving maritime disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.

For her part, Zmajkovičová said bilateral ties between Vietnam and Slovakia are developing strongly and most certainly will continue to proliferate through exchange visits. She said she hopes that the two countries will intensify economic cooperation for mutual benefit.

Vietnam can serve as a bridge for Slovakian businesses to access Southeast Asian markets while Slovakia can reciprocate and serve as an effective gateway for Vietnam companies to establish closer ties with the EU, Zmajkovičová said.

She stressed the Slovak National Council supports respect for international law in settling territorial disputes, including those in the East Sea, and condemns the use of force or coercion to resolve such disputes.

Son extended an invitation to Zmajkovičová to visit Vietnam and attend the 132nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU 132) set for Hanoi in March 2015.

On the occasion, Son also met with Speaker of National Council Pavol Paska and held talks with Vice Chairman of the NC’s Defence and Security Committee Peter Suca and Chairman of the NC’s Foreign Affairs Committee Frantisek Sebej.

The delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy and met with Overseas Vietnamese living and working in the country.