Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Thai Xuan Dung and the host nation’s Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek, at their recent meeting, have noted that the Czech Republic considers Vietnam an important partner in Southeast Asia, and backs the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

A meeting between Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Thai Xuan Dung
and the host nation’s Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek (Photo: VNA)

The two officials said the EVFTA will greatly benefit the two nations and the Czech Republic serves as a gateway for Vietnam to enter the Central and Eastern European regions. They agreed that the time-honoured relations have been strengthened across a variety of fields in recent years.

At the meeting, the Czech FM glowingly spoke of the traditional friendship and  comprehensive cooperation between the two nations over the years, while showing gratitude towards the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic for the timely and effective support in the first period of COVID-19 outbreak with the provision of masks, medical equipment and aids as well as repatriation flights by Bamboo Airways to bring home people of the Czech Republic and European  nations.

He extended sympathy to Vietnam over the losses caused by the recent flooding in the central region, revealing that his country will provide assistance to flood victims.

The official voiced his hope that the Vietnam visit by Prime Minister Andrej Babis will be conducted in 2021 after the pandemic is put under control.

Regarding economic cooperation, he showed his impression at the economic growth of Vietnam despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, Ambassador Dung said that Vietnam desires to further expand the traditional ties and all-around partnership with the Czech Republic.

He thanked the Czech Republic for supporting the EVFTA and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), becoming the first country to vote for the approval of the deals.

The Vietnamese diplomat said that he hopes the Czech Republic will continue to look for business opportunities in Vietnam, especially in energy, machinery manufacturing, health care, chemicals, tourism and transport following the enforcement of the EVFTA.

He also thanked the host country for offering favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the nation.