Vietnam calls for ‘lighthouse’ projects in cooperation with Slovakia

Lam made the proposal during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Hanoi on Monday, as part of Fico’s official visit to Vietnam from April 12 to 14 at the invitation of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lam reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently values and seeks to further deepen ties with Slovakia, describing it as a key traditional partner in Central and Eastern Europe.

He noted that the Communist Party of Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening ties with Slovak political parties, particularly the Smer-SD party and other members of Fico’s ruling coalition.

Lam expressed satisfaction that the two countries had officially elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, as reflected in a joint statement following earlier talks between the two prime ministers, underscoring a high level of political trust.

The Vietnamese leader outlined key directions to ensure the effective implementation of the strategic partnership.

He called for increased exchanges of delegations at all levels across Party, state, and government channels, as well as stronger people-to-people ties to further enhance political trust.

He insisted on prioritizing the development of ‘lighthouse’ projects in sectors such as the automotive industry, renewable energy, high technology, digital transformation and information technology, as well as human resource training, labor cooperation and expanded local-level cooperation.

Lam also proposed making trade and investment the core pillar of bilateral ties while leveraging each country’s gateway position to the ASEAN and European Union markets.

He expressed confidence that, with the elevation to a strategic partnership, Vietnam–Slovakia relations would continue to grow in the coming years.

For his part, Fico said he was pleased to return to Vietnam and that he holds special affection for the country and its people.

He said Slovakia admires Vietnam’s heroic struggle for national liberation as well as its dynamic socio-economic development and active international integration, especially its sound foreign policy amid increasingly complex global developments.

Fico said Vietnam has become a source of inspiration for Slovakia in development and international integration, adding that his country considers Vietnam its most important partner in Southeast Asia and among its top three partners in Asia.

The Slovak leader expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of his visit, particularly the elevation of ties and the signing of multiple agreements, which he said would create fresh momentum for bilateral ties.

Agreeing with Lam’s proposals, Fico said Slovakia would closely coordinate with Vietnam to implement the agreements reached, particularly in key areas such as trade, science and technology, defense and security, industry, renewable energy, tourism, high-tech agriculture and artificial intelligence.

On regional and international issues, both sides stressed the importance of adhering to international law, respecting the United Nations Charter and upholding fundamental principles of international relations.

Fico conveyed an invitation from Slovak President Peter Pellegrini for Lam to visit Slovakia, which Lam accepted, saying he would arrange the visit at a suitable time.