Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico attended the Slovakia–Việt Nam Business Forum. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico left Hà Nội on the early morning of April 14, concluding his three-day official visit to Việt Nam at the invitation of Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng.

During the visit, Fico paid tribute to President Hồ Chí Minh at his mausoleum and laid a wreath at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs on Bắc Sơn Street in Hà Nội.

Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm received the Slovak Prime Minister and joined him at the Việt Nam–Slovakia friendship concert. Prime Minister Hưng held talks with his Slovak counterpart and together they witnessed the exchange of six cooperation documents between the two countries' ministries, agencies, and localities.

On this occasion, the two PMs met with the press and announced a Joint Statement on upgrading Việt Nam–Slovakia relations to a Strategic Partnership. They also attended and delivered remarks at the Slovakia–Việt Nam Business Forum.

At the meetings and talks, Vietnamese leaders warmly welcomed the visit, noting that it was the first by a foreign leader to Việt Nam following the election of new top leaders of the Party, State, Government and National Assembly.

The visit was described as a vivid demonstration of Slovakia’s goodwill and high regard for the traditional friendship between the two countries, marking a significant milestone that opens a new phase of more stable and substantive development in bilateral ties.

The Vietnamese leaders expressed satisfaction at the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting the high level of political trust between the two nations.

Fico expressed his pleasure at returning to Việt Nam and thanked the Vietnamese leaders and people for their warm and respectful reception.

He shared his deep affection for the country and its people, voicing admiration for Vietnam’s heroic history of national liberation as well as its dynamic socio-economic development and international integration, particularly its sound foreign policy amid complex global developments.

Both sides agreed to closely coordinate in effectively implementing the agreements reached, focusing on breakthrough areas such as economy and trade, science and technology, defence and security, industry, renewable energy, tourism, high-tech agriculture, and artificial intelligence.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, underscoring the importance of upholding international law, respecting the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international relations, and resolving disputes through peaceful means based on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.

They highlighted the significance of people-to-people exchanges as a solid foundation and key driver for enhancing mutual understanding, strengthening traditional friendship, and deepening comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. — VNA/VNS