At the invitation of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính paid an official visit to the Czech Republic from January 18 to 20, 2025. This significant event marked the upgrade of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties.
Historical Significance and a Key Turning Point
During the official welcoming ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office on January 20, Prime Minister Petr Fiala warmly welcomed Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and the Vietnamese high-level delegation. He emphasized that this visit not only affirmed the long-standing traditional friendship but also opened a new chapter in bilateral relations, as Vietnam became the first Southeast Asian country to be upgraded to a Strategic Partnership with the Czech Republic.
This upgrade reflects the strategic vision of both sides, aimed at promoting extensive cooperation across various fields such as economy, education, culture, and defense security. It also reinforces Vietnam’s position in the Asia-Pacific region and the role of the Czech Republic within the European Union (EU).
Results of the Talks and Future Cooperation Directions
1. Affirming the Role of Strategic Partners
During the talks, both leaders comprehensively discussed economic and social issues, bilateral relations, and shared international concerns. Prime Minister Petr Fiala commended Vietnam’s achievements, particularly post-COVID-19, and expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation in areas like processed industry, renewable energy, and trade.
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to its relationship with the Czech Republic, a top priority partner in Central Europe. He emphasized the spirit of “promises made, promises kept” to deepen and enhance the effectiveness of bilateral relations.
2. Promoting Economic and Trade Cooperation
Both sides agreed to continue implementing existing economic cooperation mechanisms and encourage Czech businesses to invest in Vietnam in sectors such as automotive parts manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing. The Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) was identified as a crucial foundation for boosting two-way trade.
Additionally, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính proposed the early establishment of direct flights between the two countries and via the Czech Republic to Central and Eastern Europe to enhance people-to-people exchanges and tourism. The decision to waive visa requirements for Czech citizens in 2025 is expected to significantly boost cultural and tourism cooperation.
3. Developing Educational and Cultural Cooperation
Education and training remain a bright spot in bilateral relations. Both sides committed to fostering cooperation in education through student exchange programs, scientific research, and cultural center development. Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed his desire to establish a Czech cultural center in Vietnam to enhance mutual understanding between the two nations.
Shared Vision for Peace and Development
The two leaders agreed that in a world facing challenges such as climate change, population aging, and geopolitical conflicts, both countries need to strengthen unity and close coordination at multilateral forums. In particular, the South China Sea issue was highlighted as needing peaceful resolution in accordance with international law to maintain regional peace and stability.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s official visit to the Czech Republic achieved significant results, elevating Vietnam-Czech relations to a new level. Upgrading the relationship to a Strategic Partnership not only demonstrates strong trust and commitment between the two countries but also opens up substantial opportunities for cooperation across multiple fields.
To fully capitalize on this potential, both sides must continue to work diligently on specific programs and projects for the benefit of their peoples and the common goal of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. Stay tuned for updates on Vietnam-Czech relations to seize promising collaboration opportunities in the future.
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