The event took place within the framework of the Slovak Prime Minister’s official visit to Viet Nam from April 12 to 14, contributing to the consolidation of the traditional friendship foundation and the expansion of bilateral cooperation in a new phase.
At the event, President of the Viet Nam-Slovakia Friendship Association Le Quang Hung introduced to Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár a collection of photographs showcasing the friendship between Viet Nam and Slovakia.
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| President of the Viet Nam–Slovakia Friendship Association Le Quang Hung introduced to Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár a collection of photographs on Viet Nam-Slovakia friendship displayed at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa). |
In his remarks, Le Quang Hung emphasized that the close relationship between Viet Nam and former Czechoslovakia, and now Slovakia, has been built and nurtured over more than 75 years. During Viet Nam's difficult periods, the Slovak people provided valuable material and spiritual support, ranging from equipment assistance to the training of high-quality human resources.
According to statistics, Slovakia has contributed to the training of nearly 4,000 engineers, graduates, and doctors; more than 7,000 skilled workers; and has created opportunities for approximately 20,000 Vietnamese laborers to work in the country. Generations who studied and worked in Slovakia and later returned to Viet Nam have formed a community with deep attachment to the country and its people, becoming a core force in maintaining and developing the friendship between the two nations.
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| President of the Viet Nam-Slovakia Friendship Association Le Quang Hung delivered remarks at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa). |
The gathering took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with the participation of many former students and workers who had lived and worked in Slovakia. Shared stories and memories helped recreate a meaningful historical journey while highlighting the depth of people-to-people exchanges - one of the key pillars of bilateral relations.
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| Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár delivered remarks at the meeting. (Photo: Dinh Hoa). |
From the Slovak side, Minister Juraj Blanár affirmed that the Vietnamese community in Slovakia plays an important bridging role, contributing to enhanced mutual understanding and the promotion of substantive cooperation between the two countries. This community has actively integrated into local society while preserving its cultural identity through cultural activities and festivals. Notably, Slovakia’s recognition of the Vietnamese as the 14th ethnic minority since 2023 has created favorable conditions for the community to develop sustainably and contribute more broadly to the host society.
Building on the long-standing friendship, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has continued to achieve positive results. Viet Nam is currently Slovakia’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade reaching approximately USD 1.78 billion in 2025. This reflects significant potential for further cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, science and technology, education, and innovation.
To further enhance the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy, the Vietnamese side proposed promoting the establishment of a Slovakia-Viet Nam Friendship Association in Slovakia. This would create a regular coordination mechanism to expand exchanges and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries. It is seen as a practical step to strengthen coordination and ensure that people-to-people exchange and cooperation activities are carried out more regularly and effectively, in line with the growing potential and demand for cooperation between the two countries. The Viet Nam-Slovakia Friendship Association will continue to serve as a core force in people-to-people diplomacy, proactively contributing to consolidating traditional friendship, expanding cooperation, and enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries for the benefit of Viet am and Slovakia, and for peace, cooperation, and development.
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| Delegates posed for a group photo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa). |
The gathering provided an opportunity to connect individuals who share a common affection for Slovakia, while reaffirming the role of people-to-people diplomacy within the overall bilateral relationship. It continues to help build a solid social foundation, promoting the stable, substantive, and sustainable development of Viet Nam-Slovakia relations in the time ahead.
Source: VNA
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