On the afternoon of 21/11, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man hosted a reception and held talks with Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil, who was on an official visit to Vietnam from 18-22/11.

Chairman Man expressed gratitude to Senate President Vystrcil for, on behalf of the Czech government, donating 3,5 billion VND to help the Vietnamese people recover from recent storms and floods. Vietnam consistently values its friendly relations with the Czech Republic, its first strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil. *Photo: TTXVN*

Acknowledging the National Assembly Chairman's proposals, Senate President Vystrcil affirmed that the Czech parliament supports and will continue to encourage remaining EU member states to ratify the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The two leaders agreed to strengthen contacts and exchanges at all levels and through all channels. This aims to build political trust and mutual understanding, forming a foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation.

Both sides underscored the importance of parliamentary cooperation within the broader bilateral relationship. They agreed to boost exchanges between high-level parliamentary delegations, specialized committees, friendship parliamentary groups, women parliamentarians' groups, and young parliamentarians. This will facilitate information and experience sharing in parliamentary work, oversight cooperation, and support for both governments in effectively implementing cooperation agreements.

The leaders recognized trade and investment cooperation as a key pillar in the bilateral relationship. They welcomed joint projects in Vietnam, including the Skoda automobile manufacturing plant and the Mong Duong 2 thermal power plant in Quang Ninh province.

Vietnam and the Czech Republic agreed to swiftly develop an Action Plan for their Strategic Partnership, covering the 2025-2026 period. This plan aims to deepen bilateral cooperation across various sectors: trade and investment, science and technology, education and training, health, culture, labor, tourism, renewable energy, nuclear energy, defense and security, digital transformation, environmental protection, and local cooperation. Both sides will also encourage their airlines to explore direct flight routes to boost tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and economic cooperation.

Both nations committed to close coordination and mutual support in multilateral forums. This aims to contribute to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and development.

Chairman Man asked the Czech Republic to continue facilitating the integration and stable lives of the Vietnamese community there. He emphasized that this community acts as a bridge of friendship between the two nations, positively contributing to Vietnam - Czech and Vietnam - EU relations. Senate President Vystrcil affirmed the Czech Republic's ongoing support and special regard for the Vietnamese community.

General Secretary To Lam receives Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil. *Photo: TTXVN*

Later that afternoon, General Secretary To Lam received Senate President Vystrcil at the Party Central Committee Headquarters.

General Secretary To Lam praised the talks between National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Senate President Vystrcil. He expressed hope that the legislative bodies of both countries would continue close coordination, establishing a legal framework to facilitate efforts in promoting bilateral cooperation and serving their common interests.

Senate President Vystrcil concurred with the General Secretary's directions. He affirmed that he and the Czech Senate would work with the Vietnamese National Assembly to foster traditional friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation, based on mutual respect.

Nhu Tam