Triet said there was huge potential for trade co-operation between the two countries and assured Slovak businesses that Viet Nam was a safe place to invest in.

The two countries shared common on views on international and regional issues, he said. Historically this was also the case, he added, a reference to Slovakia’s support for Viet Nam’s independence.

The warm political relations enjoyed between Viet Nam and Slovakia Paska replied, laid good foundations for further development of trade and commerce. Results achieved in talks and exchanges to date were encouraging, he added.

He also affirmed Slovakia’s support for Viet Nam’s exports to the European Union market, one that he noted would be strengthened by the impending establishment of an inter-governmental co-operation committee.

The Government’s support to Slovak enterprises, who are entering joint ventures with Vietnamese partners, would be greatly appreciated, Paska added.

A direct air route from Ha Noi to Bratislava would facilitate commerce and investment co-operation.

This would also be welcomed by the more than 6,000 Vietnamese living in Slovakia, who, Paska added, had contributed greatly to the development of the two countries’ bilateral co-operation. — VNS