Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (L) shakes hands with his Slovak counterpart Peter Pellegrini (Photo: laodong.vn) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam always attaches importance to consolidating and developing its relations with traditional countries, including Slovakia, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue told his Slovak counterpart Peter Pellegrini during their talks in Hanoi on November 27.
Both said they are pleased with recent progress in bilateral ties, particularly economic and trade cooperation. In the first nine months of 2017, two-way trade hit 671 million USD, up 92 percent from last year.
The officials agreed to improve effectiveness of the Vietnam – Slovakia joint committee on economic cooperation, promote trade – investment exchanges, and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese and Slovak firms to form partnerships and carry out market studies.
They also consented to strengthen engagements across defence – security, culture, education – training, and science – technology.
Hue took the occasion to thank the Slovak Government for its assistance given to Vietnamese expatriates in the European country, saying he believes the community would help foster the two nations’ friendship and collaboration.
The Deputy PMs talked with delight about effective bilateral coordination and support at international forums.
For his part, Peter Pellegrini, who is on a visit to Vietnam from November 25 to 28, spoke highly of the achievements Vietnam has made in the renewal process as well as its increasing international position and role.
He affirmed that his country considers Vietnam a traditional friendly partner and wants to boost collaboration with the Southeast Asian nation in various fields.
Slovakia backs the growth of Vietnam – EU ties as well as the signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement, he added.
Regarding the East Sea issue, both host and guest highlighted the necessity to settle disputes by peaceful measures, including diplomatic and legal processes in line with international laws, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).-VNA
VNA
