I appreciate the long-standing cooperation between Czechia and Vietnam
H.E. Mr. Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and H.E. Mr. Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic shake hands ahead of their meeting in Hanoi on November 20
Text: H.E. Mr. Hoai Nam Duong, Ambassador of Vietnam to the Czech Republic, Martina Hošková, M. Zisso; Photo: Archive
What is your assessment of Vietnam’s achievements over the 80 years since its founding, particularly in the past 40 years of Doi Moi (Reform), integration, and development?
In the Czech Republic, we greatly value the long-standing and very good relations between the Czech people and the citizens of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. These traditions go back to before 1989. Regarding the changes Vietnam has undergone, I personally have to highlight and appreciate its significant economic growth, as well as the economic success it has achieved since the implementation of the Doi Moi reforms in 1986. It’s this combination of the entrepreneurial spirit of the Vietnamese people and a development model that differs from that of the Czech Republic that has led to big economic progress. At the same time, it’s important to recognise that the way the country is governed and the path of its development are different from the Czech model.
In our case, we have a pluralistic system, not a single ruling power, but multiple political parties that compete in elections. That said, I want to appreciate the development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the reform it has carried out, and above all, the long-standing cooperation between our countries. I would also like to point out that the Vietnamese community here, the Vietnamese people, are the most positively regarded non-European minority in the Czech Republic. Only Slovaks and Poles rank higher in terms of public perception, making the Vietnamese the most appreciated community from outside of Europe. Czech citizens have built strong, friendly relations with them, which speaks volumes about the depth of our mutual respect and connection. This, in itself, is a statement to the very good relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, and the great potential for further growth in our partnership.
Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Commitee and H.E. Mr. Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic
Could you elaborate further on the relations and cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, and where you see it leading us in future?
To begin with, I would like to remind everyone that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Czech Republic. I would also like to congratulate the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on its 80 years of independence. These facts alone demonstrate that the relationship between the Czech Republic and Vietnam is long-term. And my recent meetings earlier with both the Vice President of Vietnam and the Prime Minister of Vietnam are small evidence of this. I highly value both meetings and appreciate the friendly relations that we continue to develop. I am also planning to visit Vietnam, and I thank the Chairman of the Vietnamese parliament for the invitation I have received. I believe that this will allow us to further develop our relations.
H.E. Mr. Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and H.E. Mr. Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic and delegates
If I were to mention what I consider absolutely unique and worthy of appreciation in Vietnam, it is Vietnamese cuisine. The Vietnamese soup Pho is something that we in the Czech Republic eat very often, and indeed, Vietnamese gastronomy is something that we admire greatly here in the Czech Republic. We also admire the diligence of Vietnamese citizens, especially in the business sector. I myself come from the Vysočina region, which has a large number of small municipalities, and those who provide the necessary goods and groceries there are mostly residents and citizens of Vietnam. Some are already citizens of the Czech Republic too, or work here on work permits. I truly want to thank them for this cooperation.
I am also pleased with our cooperation in the culture sector. I would be very happy if we could further improve the functioning of the Czech Centre in Vietnam, and conversely, I think we should support the Vietnamese Centre here in the Czech Republic.
Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Commitee met with H.E. Mr. Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic and delegation
If I look into history, I see certain parallels as well. Both countries had to fight for their independence at some point, and had to sacrifice a lot. We also had experiences with how difficult communication can be with large neighbours or generally with big countries, where we also had to deal with various challenges, and both the Czech Republic and Vietnam managed this very well. This means there are many things that connect us.
H.E. Mr. Hoai Nam Duong and President of the Czech Senate Miloš Vystrčil
Finally, although it may be almost the most important point to repeat, a large number of Vietnamese were in the Czech Republic before and after 1989, studying and working in the Czech Republic. And today, there is a significant opportunity for us to utilise and further develop this cooperation, to create greater business opportunities for the Czech Republic in Vietnam, as well as for Vietnam, not only in the Czech Republic but throughout the European Union.