Prague (VNA)꧑ – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the Czech Republic from January 18 to 20 will help further reinforce relations between the two countries, while creating opportunities for stronger cooperation across various fields, said Chairwoman of the Czech Republic - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group Petra Quittova in an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Prague.

Quittova, who is also a member of the Chamber of Depities of the European nation, highlighted that the Vietnam - Czech Republic relationship has flourished over the past 75 years, with much potential still to be tapped into. She expressed optimism that PM Chinh’s visit will further solidify bilateral relations. Quittova also called for enhanced collaboration, particularly in streamlining the work visa granting process for Vietnamese nationals and seeking chances to create exchange programmes for university students. Building on the progress made in bilateral ties so far, PM Chinh and his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala are expected make announcements marking a new chapter in the Vietnam - Czech Republic relations, taking their traditional friendship and mutlifaceted cooperation to a new height. The two leaders are set to discuss ways for expanding ties in such fields as politics - diplomacy, trade, investment, science - technology, innovation, education - training, culture - sports - tourism, labour, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchange, thus further deepening existing cooperation areas and explore new ones. Quittova stressed the importance of strengthening legislative ties between the two countries, encouraging closer cooperation and dialogue on shared interests. She also praised the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, which is around 100,000 strong – the third-largest foreign community in the country. Quittova noted that the community is well-integrated, united, and makes significant contributions to the Czech society and its economy. She said she believes there are ample opportunities to further support and develop this vibrant community. According to Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam, several agreements will be signed during the visit, focusing on education, sports, and other sectors. The two sides will also discuss the opening of direct air routes and cultural centres to foster trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchange./.