Hanoi, 13 April 2026 – The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanár, today confirmed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Le Hoai Trung, the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the diplomatic ministries of both countries. The ministers agreed to hold regular political consultations, strengthen joint activities in economic diplomacy, provide training for diplomats, and exchange experience at the multilateral level.
“We do not only want to maintain the current positive momentum in Slovak–Vietnamese relations, but to genuinely develop it into long-term cooperation. Slovakia is a reliable, constructive and pragmatic partner for Vietnam,” said J. Blanár, emphasizing that Slovak diplomacy is interested in restoring and gradually developing a regular political dialogue
In this context, the Slovak foreign minister described as a key milestone the elevation of cooperation between Slovakia and Vietnam, which was declared today in Hanoi by the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, together with the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Le Minh Hung, through the signing of a strategic partnership document. The memorandum between the foreign ministries thus builds on this important political declaration, confirming concrete steps that will lead to intensified cooperation for the benefit of both countries.
Strengthening mutual diplomatic activities will primarily focus on the implementation of political consultations. Both sides committed to meetings of ministers, state secretaries, or other diplomatic representatives every two years. The aim is to develop dialogue on bilateral and international issues of common interest, with a focus on economic diplomacy. According to Minister J. Blanár, Vietnam is Slovakia’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and its third-largest Asian partner overall. In 2024, trade between the two countries reached €4.3 billion.
“We actively support increasing the number of Slovak companies operating in Vietnam. Slovak firms are ready to develop cooperation particularly in nuclear energy, water management, healthcare technologies, automation, cybersecurity, engineering, and the defence industry,” confirmed J. Blanár, also appreciating the organization of the Slovak–Vietnamese business forum held in Hanoi, attended by a business delegation of more than 60 representatives of Slovak companies as part of the Slovak prime minister’s mission.
The head of Slovak diplomacy also highlighted the potential in culture and education and recalled historical Slovak–Vietnamese ties. Former Czechoslovakia was among the first countries to recognize Vietnam, and many Vietnamese who studied or worked in Slovakia remain, according to him, a valuable link between the two nations.
As Minister Juraj Blanár further explained, the inter-ministerial agreement also includes the education and development of diplomats through mutual exchange of experience and training courses, as well as participation in international conferences and forums, and joint support at the multilateral level. In this context, the foreign ministers discussed cooperation within the United Nations and other frameworks, and jointly confirmed reciprocal support for candidacies, including Slovakia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028–2029 term.
The foreign ministers also addressed current developments in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the situation in the South China Sea.
“Stability in the South China Sea is directly important for Europe as well, given trade routes and supply chains. We appreciate Vietnam’s role in supporting an effective Code of Conduct and the stabilizing mechanisms led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),” concluded Minister Juraj Blanár.
Source: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
