HCMC – Party General Secretary To Lam today, November 18, met with Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Robert Kalinak, who is in Vietnam for an official visit as the two nations mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Welcoming the Slovak delegation, To Lam said the visit carries important significance as Vietnam and Slovakia commemorate a longstanding partnership dating back to 1950.
He stressed that Slovakia has always been a loyal and reliable friend of Vietnam, and expressed appreciation for the Slovak government and people for their support over the past seven decades.
The Party chief spoke highly of the earlier talks between Minister Kalinak and Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang, noting that bilateral defense cooperation, guided by a 2015 memorandum of understanding, has delivered positive results and has become one of the pillars of the Vietnam–Slovakia relationship. He proposed that the two sides strengthen cooperation in defense industry, military training, and UN peacekeeping operations.
On the broader relationship, To Lam called for maintaining regular delegation exchanges, making better use of existing consultation and cooperation mechanisms, and creating favorable conditions for ministries, agencies, and businesses of both sides to deepen connections. He said economic and science–technology cooperation should become key pillars, alongside stronger cultural, educational, tourism, and people-to-people ties. He conveyed an invitation to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit Vietnam.
Deputy PM Kalinak said he was impressed by Vietnam’s socio-economic development and rising profile in Asia. Slovakia, he noted, is proud to have stood alongside Vietnam for 75 years and considers Vietnam one of its most important partners in the region. He reaffirmed Slovakia’s desire to enhance cooperation in all fields, particularly in defense.
Kalinak agreed with the proposals of the Vietnamese Party chief and committed to working closely with Slovak ministries and Vietnamese partners to advance bilateral ties. He said Slovakia sees substantial room for cooperation in defense industry and is ready to collaborate on research and joint projects.
The Slovak deputy PM proposed that the two countries work together to identify and preserve historical sites in Slovakia associated with President Ho Chi Minh, saying this would help strengthen education on the traditional friendship between the two nations.
He also commended Vietnam’s active role in regional and international forums and expressed hope for stronger cooperation within international organizations and the ASEAN–EU framework. Kalinak added that the Vietnamese community in Slovakia continues to serve as an important bridge fostering friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples.
