Hanoi (VNA) – President
Tran Dai Quang has praised the role and effective contributions made by
Slovakian Ambassador to Vietnam Igor Pacolak during his tenure in Vietnam,
describing it as one of the important factors to enhance Vietnam-Slovakia
friendly and cooperative ties.
During a reception in Hanoi on
August 29 for the outgoing ambassador, President Quang suggested the two sides
further uphold the role of the Vietnam-Slovakia Joint Committee for Economic
Cooperation, increase the exchange of visits by ministries, agencies and
businesses, and promote trade and investment to further lift two-way trade in
the coming years.
President Quang urged Slovakia to
continue supporting and fostering the comprehensive cooperative partnership
between Vietnam and the European Union (EU), prompt the early signing of the EU-Vietnam
Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and recognise Vietnam as a market economy.
Vietnam is ready to assist
Slovakia in boosting ties with ASEAN and its member states, he said, adding
that the country promises all possible optimal support to Slovakian firms to
seek business opportunities in the country.
President Quang recommended
Slovakian enterprises to invest in the fields where Vietnam has huge demand
such as renewable energy, infrastructure, environmental protection, food
processing, and food safety and hygiene.
The President wished that the
Slovakian government would continue creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese
nationals to integrate into the host country, thus helping to increase mutual
understanding between the two nations.
The State leader also expressed
his hope that, with his experience and understanding about Vietnam, the
ambassador would continue serving as a bridge to propel Vietnam-Slovakia ties
forward.
Pacolak, for his part, said
during his tenure in Vietnam, the two countries has seen more than 30 visits
from the deputy ministerial level upwards and signed about 20 cooperation
agreements. Vietnam currently ranks 14th in the list of Slovakia’s
trade partners.
Multilaterally, the ambassador thanked
Vietnam for supporting Slovakia at international organizations and affirmed
that the European country always backs Vietnam – an active member at international
organisations.-VNA