State President Truong Tan Sang (left) and President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman (Photo: VNA)
(VOVworld) – The Presidents of Vietnam and the Czech Republic have agreed that it’s time to lift bilateral relations to a new height.
At a joint press briefing following talks with President Milos Zeman in Prague on Monday, President Truong Tan Sang reiterated that friendship is the foundation for bilateral cooperation in various fields.
He said: “the Czech Republic has strongly supported Vietnam during its struggles for national liberation, construction, and development. President Milos and I have agreed on enhancing comprehensive links across politics, economics, trade, investment, education, and security.”
Mr. Sang touched upon future advantages for the two countries’ business community when Vietnam signs the EU- Vietnam Free Trade Agreement for which the Czech Republic is hastening approval.
“The Czech Republic has shown its strong support for Vietnam and the EU to soon conclude the FTA negotiations. This will be a firm basis for increasing trade between Vietnam and the EU, particularly the Czech Republic”, according to President Sang.
The two leaders said that based on their political determination, Hanoi and Prague should continue to tap inter-government cooperative mechanisms and economic consultations to make the relations more effective in conformity with the aspirations of the two peoples and the interests of both nations.
Also on Monday, President Truong Tan Sang met with the President of the Czech Senate Milan Stech and President of the Chamber of Deputies Jan Hamacek. The two sides agreed to expand ties between the two countries’ legislative bodies.
The Czech parliamentary leaders pledged to support the community of 60,000 Vietnamese nationals living in the Czech Republic, expressing their belief that they will continue serving as a bridge linking the two nations.
They also backed the signing of the EU- Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA).
Vietnam Economy-Tourism Cooperation Forum (Photo: VNA)
Earlier, Mr. Sang attended the Vietnam Economy-Tourism Cooperation Forum where President Milos asked Vietnam to help Czech enterprises invest in Vietnam efficiently.
President Sang said Vietnam is a safe and attractive destination for all foreign investors and international tourists.