Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon,. — VNA/VNS Photo

PRAGUE — After 30 years of developing bilateral relations, Việt Nam has become a key Asian trade partner of Slovenia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon has stated.

In a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency to mark the 30th founding anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (June 7, 1994 - 2024), Fajon highly valued Việt Nam's role and position and expressed her belief in the potential to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

According to the official, the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties was an important milestone, demonstrating the desire of both countries to gain a deeper understanding of each other and their readiness to promote cooperation at various levels and in different fields.

The two countries have maintained regular dialogues despite the geographical distance and limited resources, she said, noting that exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have been strengthened in recent times.

One of the exemplary efforts in promoting bilateral relations mentioned by Fajon was the third meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation between Việt Nam and Slovenia in Ljubljana last October.

She also expressed her impression on Việt Nam's achievements, saying that the strong growth of bilateral trade relations has reflected the central position Việt Nam has achieved in important industries and global supply chains.

The official revealed that a delegation of Slovenian businesses is planning to visit and explore the Vietnamese market, focusing on the potential for maritime and aviation connections between the two countries.

Fajon also highlighted tourism as another potential area of cooperation between Slovenia and Việt Nam.

She expressed her joy and appreciation of the commitment by both Slovenia and Việt Nam to pursuing multilateralism and respecting international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Slovenia desires to enhance cooperation with Việt Nam in all mutually beneficial areas, which is also crucial as Slovenia is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2024-25 term, she said.

The diplomat also spotlighted tourism cooperation and culture and art exchange between the two nations.

Fajon stated that Slovenia will promote the opening of an honorary consulate office in HCM City to further support the enhancement of cooperation between Slovenia, a member of the European Union (EU), and Việt Nam, a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), especially in economy.

The EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has elevated the relationship between the EU and Việt Nam to a new height, she said, adding that her country continues to join efforts by other EU member states to accelerate the ratification of the EU-Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Fajon also spoke highly of Việt Nam's efforts to intensify the strategic partnership between the EU and ASEAN, stating that amidst global volatilities, strengthening cooperation with Southeast Asia, including Việt Nam, plays a crucial role. — VNS