Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc holds talks with his Czech Republic counterpart Andrej Babis by telephone on Monday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc held talks with his Czech Republic counterpart Andrej Babis by telephone on Monday to discuss their efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Babis lauded Việt Nam’s efforts and asked the two countries to enhance information sharing and cooperation in the field.
PM Phúc emphasised that COVID-19 is a common challenge for the world at present.
Việt Nam stands ready to collaborate with the Czech Republic and all of its partners to fight the epidemic, he said, adding that no country could unilaterally act to overcome such a global-scale public health crisis.
The Vietnamese PM thanked and spoke highly of the Czech Republic Government and people for providing care for the Vietnamese community in the country.
He suggested the host government continue providing favourable conditions for them to stabilise their lives and ensure the necessary conditions to combat the disease.
The PM affirmed that Việt Nam is ready to partner with the Czech Republic in all areas to overcome existing difficulties, and will direct ministries and agencies to make it easier for Czech citizens to return home in the near future.
Việt Nam thanked the Government, Parliament and people of the Czech Republic for supporting the development of the comprehensive partnership between Việt Nam and the European Union, especially pushing forward the European Parliament’s ratification of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the Czech Republic Parliament’s approval of the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, he said.
PM Phúc invited Babis to pay an official visit to Việt Nam to mark the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
Babis accepted the invitation with pleasure, and expressed his hope to visit Việt Nam soon. — VNS