Prague (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Chairwoman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) Katerina Konecna in Prague on January 18 afternoon (local time) as part of his official visit to the Czech Republic.
The PM expressed his gratitude to the Czech government, people, and political parties, particularly the KSCM, for their steadfast support for Vietnam throughout its past struggle for national independence and its ongoing process of national construction and development.
He said that Vietnam treasures and wants to foster its traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with the Czech Republic, while supporting the spirit of solidarity among the Czech people and parties, aiming to contribute to peace, stability, and development in the two regions and the world.
Highlighting Vietnam's approach to engaging with ruling parties worldwide, PM Chinh encouraged increased information and delegation exchanges between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the KSCM to enhance mutual understanding and political trust, and share experiences in Party building and development. The Government leader also sought the continued support of the KSCM in Vietnam's process of socialist fatherland construction and protection, and in fortifying the traditional friendship between the two nations.
Expressing his gratitude for the Czech Republic’s recognition of the Vietnamese community as a minority group, he urged the KSCM to advocate for policies that further facilitate their integration and contributions to the Czech society as well as their bridging role in the bilateral relations. Additionally, PM Chinh called for the party’s support in easing visa policies for Vietnamese citizens.
He proposed Konecna push for the ratification of the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by remaining EU member states and for the European Commission to lift its illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing yellow card imposed on Vietnamese seafood exports.
For her part, Konecna affirmed her support for the Czech Republic’s policy towards Vietnam and pledged to promote stronger friendship and cooperation between the two Parties, helping to deepen and develop the Czech Republic - Vietnam relationship across all fields for the sake of the Vietnamese and Czech people, and for peace, cooperation, and development in the regions and the world.
Agreeing with the PM's ideas, Konecna affirmed her willingness to assist Vietnam within her capacity, including expediting the EVIPA ratification and addressing the IUU yellow card issue.
Extending her greetings to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, the KSCM chairwoman unveiled her intention to visit Vietnam soon at his invitation./.
