State President Truong Tan Sang received Defence Minister of the Czech Republic Alexandr Vondra in Hanoi on March 27.

President Sang affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to traditional relations with the Czech Republic and is willing to act as a bridge to help the republic promote its relationship with Southeast Asian countries.

The President said he wishes the Czech Republic will help connect Vietnam and the European Union.

He also welcomed cooperative agreements in many fields reached between the two defence ministries, saying they are an important basis for the promotion of bilateral relations.

He said he believes that together with defence, Vietnam and the Czech Republic will strengthen cooperation in all fields.

President Sang suggested the two countries hold regular high-level diplomatic activities and boost trade, cultural and educational cooperation.

He also spoke highly of Minister Vondra’s decision to select Vietnam as the first destination on his tour to Asian countries.

Minister Vondra shared the view that agreements reached between the two defence ministries will further promote bilateral ties in future, contributing to consolidating the traditional friendship between the two countries.

He said many Czech businesses, which accompanied him, want to expand cooperation in Vietnam .

The Czech Defence Minister affirmed that the Czech Republic and the EU always offer favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises.

In his opinion, bilateral two-way trade turnover does not match its full potential, and he asked leaders of the two countries to direct relevant agencies to take measures to boost cooperation.-VNA