State President Nguyen Minh Triet said during talks with Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic in Bratislava on December 17 that Vietnam pursues its independent and self-reliant policy of diversification and multilateralisation as well as active international integration.

The two presidents said they were happy at the outstanding developments in the two countries’ relations over recent years and agreed on orientations and measures to further promote bilateral cooperation in different fields.

President Gasparovic expressed his admiration for Vietnam ’s achievements recorded in the renewal and integration process, its political stability and fast economic growth as well as its rising international position and prestige. Vietnam has won prestige and trust in the international arena and is a friendly destination for Slovak and other foreign businesses, affirmed the Slovak President.

President Gasparovic said he hopes both countries will increase joint coordination and mutual support in international flora, including the assurance of human rights.

Both sides agreed to closely cooperate in organising celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-Slovakia diplomatic ties in 2010.
President Triet hailed Slovakia’s re-opening of its embassy in Hanoi and informed his host that Vietnam would open its embassy in Bratislava in 2010.

The Slovak President lauded Vietnam’s decision, considering it an important landmark in promoting the comprehensive development of traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The two presidents agreed on new developments of bilateral economic and trade ties and the fast increase in two-way trade. However, they said, these developments still failed to match with the two countries’ potentials and requirements.

Slovakia wants to further expand and increase the traditional multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam, especially in energy, science, environment, healthcare, transport, education-training, culture, sports and tourism, affirmed President Gasparovic.

President Triet proposed that Slovakia reconsider its stance and support Vietnam in the imposition of anti-dumping tariffs on Vietnam ’s leather-capped shoes.

Later, President Triet and Slovak President Gasparovic witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements, including an agreement on investment protection and encouragement and a cooperation deal between Vietnam’s State Audit Office and the Supreme Audit Office of the Slovak Republic.