Vietnam Becomes Visa-free for Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland Entry
	Czech - Vietnam Friendship Association Urged to Continue Promoting Bilateral Ties

How significant is Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, especially as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations (February 2, 1950 – February 2, 2025)?

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse paid an official visit to the Czech Republic from January 18 to 20 at the invitation of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The visit carries great significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic (February 2, 1950 – February 2, 2025). Building on the achievements and positive momentum in bilateral relations, the two Prime Ministers are expected to announce the upgrade of their relationship to a strategic partnership, ushering in a new chapter and elevating traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation to a higher, deeper, and more substantive level.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam. Photo: vnembassy-praha.mofa.gov.vn

What are the highlights and key activities of this visit? How has the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic prepared for this important event?

Following Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s successful visit to Vietnam in April 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the Czech Republic is an opportunity for both sides to reflect on 75 years of bilateral ties built on political trust, sustainable cooperation, and mutual respect. This is the first visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to the Czech Republic since the COVID-19 pandemic, and also the first high-level foreign delegation to visit the Czech Republic in the New Year of 2025. It marks the beginning of a series of events commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The centerpiece of this visit is the shared commitment of both nations’ top leaders to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Discussions focus on enhancing comprehensive cooperation across a wide range of fields, including political diplomacy, economic-trade-investment, science and technology, innovation, education and training, culture-sports-tourism, labor, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges. These efforts aim to deepen existing cooperative foundations, explore new areas of potential collaboration, and open new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, both sides are expected to sign several agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation in education, training, and sports. They will also discuss establishing a direct air route, and opening cultural centers in each country to promote trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Relevant authorities from Vietnam and the Czech Republic are finalizing internal procedures to ensure announcements can be made during this high-level visit.

Under the guidance of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs leadership, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic has been coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies of both countries to finalize preparations for the visit.

Throughout this process, the Embassy has received strong support from the Czech government, including the Office of the Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senate, Chamber of Deputies, and other relevant agencies. This demonstrates the Czech Republic’s high regard for its relationship with Vietnam, and the importance it places on the official visit by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse.

What initiatives and activities has the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic undertaken to foster unity and strengthen ties with the homeland among the Vietnamese community there?

Strengthening solidarity and encouraging overseas Vietnamese to remain connected to their homeland has always been a key focus of the Vietnamese Embassy's work. In 2024, the Embassy closely collaborated with the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe and the Union of Vietnamese Associations in the Czech Republic to carry out meaningful initiatives. Notably, in response to calls from the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, the community raised VND5.7 billion (US$225,096) to support victims of Typhoon No. 3 (Yagi) in September last year. They also contributed aid to those affected by the most severe floods in Czech history, impacting three eastern provinces. The Vietnamese community was the first ethnic minority group in the Czech Republic to organize fundraising efforts for flood victims, an act of solidarity that was highly praised by the Czech government and provincial authorities.

In 2025, the Embassy will continue to lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies from both countries, and the Vietnamese community associations in Europe and the Czech Republic to organize meaningful activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. These efforts will focus on promoting Vietnam’s cultural heritage, traditions, and the country’s image, targeting not only local residents but also the second and third generations of Vietnamese in the Czech Republic. This approach aims to help younger generations born and raised in the Czech Republic gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and culture, strengthening their connection to their ancestral homeland.

Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic Received Honorable Medal On November 15, in the capital city of Prague, the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic celebrated its 25th anniversary and received the honorable First-Class ...

Vietnam Attends Prague International Charity Bazaar 2024 The Vietnamese Embassy’s active participation in this event demonstrates the spirit of unity to share and help those in difficult circumstances, while also promoting the ...