Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jiri Kozak affirmed that the country supports efforts to strengthen ties between Vietnam and the European Union (EU). During a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Le Thi Thu Hang, Jiri said that as the rotating President of the EU Council in the second half of 2022, the Czech Government has been actively working to remove the European Commission’s IUU “yellow card” warning against Vietnam’s aquatic product exports, as well as calling on EU member countries to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) soon.

Jiri also appreciated the role of the Vietnamese community in Czech and their contributions to the country’s COVID-19 prevention and control. Hang spoke highly of Jiri’s visit and the Czech pharmaceutical medical business delegation, saying that it helps boost the two countries’ relations, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Hang also emphasized that Vietnam always pays attention to boosting relationship with traditional partners, the Czech Republic is one of its prioritized partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally,

The two sides agreed to increase contact and exchange of delegations at all levels, strengthen cooperation and mutual support at regional and international organizations and to encourage and create favorable conditions for investment projects and joint ventures based on the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the results of the 7th meeting of the Vietnam-Czech Intergovernmental Committee.

Article by Prague Forum