PM’s Czech visit to open new chapter in bilateral ties: ambassador
The official visit to the Czech Republic by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh from January 18-20 will help open a new chapter in and lift the two countries’ relations to a new height, as the two PMs plan to announce the upgrade of the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership this time.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala pose for a photo (Photo: VNA)
Prague (VNA) - The official visit to the Czech Republic by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh from January 18-20 will help open a new chapter in and lif𒉰t the two countries’ relations to a new height, as the two PMs plan to announce the upgrade of the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership this time.
The statement was made by Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam in his interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the visit.
Nam said that the trip, to be made at invitation of PM Petr Fiala, is of great significance, as it takes place in the context that the two nations are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties (February 2, 1950-2025).
The ambassador said that the visit is an opportunity for both sides to reflect on the 75-year journey of their relationship, which has been built on a foundation of political trust, sustainable cooperation, and mutual respect.
This is the first trip to the Czech Republic by a Vietnamese Prime Minister since the COVID-19 pandemic, and also the first by a foreign high-ranking leader to the Central European nation in 2025, marking the start of a series of events to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations.
The two sides will focus on exchanging measures to strengthen their comprehensive cooperation in various fields, including politics-diplomacy, economy-trade-investment, science-technology, innovation, education-training, culture-sports-tourism, labour, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges. This will contribute to further deepening the existing cooperation foundations, exploring new potential areas, and opening up new opportunities for bilateral collaboration, Nam stressed.
The two sides are expected to sign several documents to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of education-training, and sports, and continue discussions on the possibility of establishing direct flight routes and opening cultural centres in each country to boost trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Another highlight is that PM Chinh and his spouse will attend the 2025 Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) event, organised by the embassy in collaboration with the Confederation of Vietnamese Associations in Europe and the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic, Nam said, adding that this will be the first time that a high-ranking Vietnamese leader participates in such event and extends New Year greetings to the Vietnamese community there.
This event reaffirms the consistent policy of the Party and State, which views the overseas Vietnamese community as an integral part and a valuable resource of the nation, and also underscores their important role in strengthening cooperation between Vietnam and other countries around the world, he emphasised.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam (L) poses for a photo with Czech President Petr Pavel (Photo: VNA)
The Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, one of the largest ethnic minority communities in the European nation with around 100,000 members, is highly regarded by the host government for their work ethic, integration, and significant contributions to local socio-economic development.
Regarding the bilateral relationship, the diplomat asserted that it has maintained a stable and positive development over the past 75 years. High-ranking leaders have continuously made mutual visits, actively coordinating with and supporting each other at multilateral forums and international organisations. The two sides have maintained effective bilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as the Vietnam-Czech Republic Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic Cooperation which meets biennially and has held seven sessions to date. So far, approximately 50 bilateral agreements have been signed and implemented.
Additionally, the Czech Republic views Vietnam as a key partner and a gateway connecting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with Europe, and as a priority in its strategy on cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region.
Two-way trade reached 2.9 billion USD in 2023, and was estimated at 3.8 billion USD last year, up 28% year-on-year. The Czech Republic is running 41 direct investment projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of 92.39 million USD. The two sides still have significant potential and room to expand cooperation into such areas as green transformation, digital transformation, renewable energy, and mining, Nam stated.
In 2025, the embassy will maintain coordination with relevant ministries and agencies from both countries, as well as the Confederation of Vietnamese Associations in Europe and the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic, to organise a series of activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties. These activities will focus on introducing and promoting the cultural traditions, images, and people of Vietnam, not only to the local population but also to the second and third generations of Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic to help the younger generations born and raised there gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and culture, thereby fostering a stronger connection to their homeland, added the ambassador./.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation departed Hanoi on January 15 afternoon for official visits to Poland and the Czech Republic, attendance at the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos and bilateral meetings in Switzerland.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation are set to make official visits to Poland and the Czech Republic as well as attend the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos and engage in bilateral meetings in Switzerland.
Defence cooperation plays an important role in the overall ties between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, stated Vietnamese Ambassador to the European country Duong Hoai Nam, pointing to numerous opportunities for the two sides to further promote collaboration in this field.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
