Vietnam and Slovakia Strengthen Bilateral Ties Amid Growing Regional Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le VAfn and Marek Estok, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, co-chaired the Vietnam-Slovakia political consultation in Hanoi on Wednesday. The meeting aimed to review bilateral cooperation and discuss specific directions to further strengthen the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the situation in the East Sea (South China Sea), and reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam and Slovakia agreed to step up action coordination between their foreign ministries, including promoting delegation exchanges at all levels to enhance political trust and mutual understanding.
  • The two countries discussed specific directions and measures to further strengthen their traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation, including expanding cooperation mechanisms between agencies of the two foreign ministries.
  • Slovakia expressed admiration and appreciation for Vietnam's recent socio-economic development achievements under the Communist Party of Vietnam's leadership.
  • Slovak businesses are interested in expanding their investment and operations in Vietnam, with Slovakia considering Vietnam a top priority partner in Southeast Asia.
  • Slovakia will advocate the remaining member states of the European Union (EU) to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and support the European Commission (EC) to lift the "yellow card" against Vietnam's seafood exports.
  • The two nations' foreign ministries agreed to bolster cooperation and strengthen their coordinating role to facilitate deeper bilateral ties between relevant ministries, sectors, and localities.

Statistics:

  • Vietnam's recent socio-economic development achievements under the Communist Party of Vietnam's leadership have been recognized by Slovakia.
  • A growing number of Slovak businesses are interested in expanding their investment and operations in Vietnam.
  • Days since Slovakia's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs officials have been visiting Vietnam: 1.

Sources:

  • "Vietnam, Slovakia Hold Political Consultation".
  • "Slovakia to Support EVIPA Ratification, Lift 'Yellow Card' Against Vietnam's Seafood Exports".