Prague (VNA) – Vietnam and the CzechRepublic issued a joint statement during the visit to the European country byPrime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on April 16-17 at the invitation of his Czechcounterpart Andrej Babis.

The two PM held talks to inform each other aboutthe political and economic situations in their respective countries as well astheir priorities in foreign policy. 

They also discussed measures to boost bilateralrelations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concerns.

PM Phuc affirmed that Vietnam attaches greatimportance to developing the traditional friendship with countries in CentralEurope, especially the Czech Republic, and recognised the achievements theCzech Republic has gained on the path of national development.

Meanwhile, PM Andrej Babis highly valuedVietnam’s accomplishments in economic development and international integrationand reiterated the Czech Republic’s strong desire to promote friendly andwin-win relations with Vietnam.

The two sides agreed to work closely together incelebration of the 70th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties (1950-2020)while maintaining high-level delegation exchanges between ministries,departments and localities to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The two PMs expressed their satisfaction overthe growth in bilateral trade and affirmed they would enhance cooperation toimprove trade balance.

They highlighted the crucial role of theVietnam-Czech Republic joint commission on economic cooperation in tappingeconomic, trade and investment cooperation opportunities between the twocountries, and agreed to carefully prepare for the seventh session of thecommission which will take place in Prague in 2020.

The Czech Republic agreed to support the earlysigning of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-VietnamInvestment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The two sides concurred that these agreementswill help strengthen relations between Vietnam and the EU and the CzechRepublic in particular.

The PMs said they will urge Vietnamese and Czechministries, departments and partners to step up collaboration in agriculture,science-technology, environment, climate change adaptation, energy,education-training, and human resources development as well as culture,tourism, justice and law. 

They welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understandingon cooperation in geology and mining.

The two sides spoke highly of their soundbilateral relations in defence and security, and agreed to boost cooperation inthis field.

The PMs suggested opening a direct air routebetween the two countries soon, which will help promote tourism, stressing thatthe early signing of an agreement on air transport between the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the EU will create new opportunities forthe two sides’ airlines and passengers.

The two sides expressed their strong support formultilateralism and multilateral trade, agreeing to strengthen coordination atregional and international forums and organisations, especially the Asia-EuropeMeeting (ASEM) Forum.

They emphasised the importance of maintainingpeace and stability, promoting security, safety and freedom of aviation andnavigation in the East Sea, and addressing disputes via peaceful means and inline with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention onthe Law of the Sea.

PM Phuc thanked the Czech Republic forsupporting the overseas Vietnamese community in the European country, while PMBabis highly appreciated the significant contributions of the Vietnamesecommunity in the Czech Republic to promoting the bilateral friendship.

The PMs said they will take a look at issuesrelated to entry and exit procedures between the two countries.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction overthe outcomes of the visit to the Czech Republic by PM Phuc, considering this animportant political event to boost bilateral cooperation.

On the occasion, PM Phuc invited his Czechcounterpart to visit Vietnam, which was accepted.

During his trip to the Czech Republic, PM Phucalso met with President Miloz Zeman and Speaker of the Chamber of DeputiesRadek Vondracek. 

He also attended the Czech Republic – VietnamBusiness Forum and met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in thehost country.-VNA