Promoting friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Slovenia.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and State Secretary Sanja Stiglic briefed each other on the situation in their respective countries; agreed that bilateral relations have developed strongly in many areas in recent times; and affirmed that this Political Consultation is even more significant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Slovenia.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang highly appreciated Slovenia's consideration of Vietnam as a priority partner in its policy of strengthening and expanding relations with countries in the Southeast Asian region; affirming that Vietnam always attaches importance to developing good relations with Slovenia, an important partner of Vietnam in the Central and Eastern European region.

State Secretary Sanja Stiglic expressed her admiration for Vietnam's economic and social development achievements and international integration in recent years; highly appreciated Vietnam's increasingly important role and position in the region and the world; and affirmed that Slovenia always values and wishes to strengthen relations with Vietnam, Slovenia's leading important partner in Southeast Asia.

Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially at the high level, through state, government, parliamentary channels and people-to-people exchanges. Regarding cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs , they affirmed the continued implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2023, including the effective organization of annual consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs to enhance mutual understanding and trust, and to promote effective cooperation between ministries, sectors, and localities of the two countries.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and State Secretary Sanja Stiglic expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in economic cooperation between the two countries. Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral trade turnover increased by an average of 15% annually during the 2020-2022 period, reaching US$516 million in 2023.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen trade and investment cooperation by continuing to fully and effectively implement the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA); improving the effectiveness of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation mechanism; creating favorable conditions for each other's goods to have a greater presence in each other's markets; and encouraging Slovenian businesses to increase investment in Vietnam, especially in areas where Slovenia has strengths such as maritime transport, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

On this occasion, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang requested Slovenia to complete the ratification procedures for the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), thereby facilitating equal and mutually beneficial investment cooperation between the two sides, and to support the European Commission's (EC) early removal of the "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood exports, while also supporting Vietnam's sustainable fisheries development.

State Secretary Sanja Stiglic assessed Vietnam as a potential economic partner, noting that an increasing number of Slovenian businesses are interested in cooperating with Vietnam. She also highly appreciated Vietnam's strong commitments at COP26 on climate change response and affirmed Slovenia's readiness to share experiences and cooperate with Vietnam in this field.

Both sides agreed to coordinate the organization of art performances in each country this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations; and to promote bilateral cooperation in potential areas such as education, training, green economy, digital and circular economy, maritime transport, logistics, tourism, and labor.

During the meeting, the two sides had an in-depth exchange on regional and international issues of common concern; affirming their commitment to continued close coordination and mutual support in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and ASEAN-EU relations, especially in the context of Slovenia's term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2024-2025. Regarding the South China Sea issue, both sides emphasized their support for Vietnam's and ASEAN's stance on ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, resolving disputes peacefully, and adhering to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On this occasion, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed her gratitude and requested the Slovenian Government to continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Slovenia to live stably and integrate well into the local society, making positive contributions to the local economy and society, and playing a bridging role in cooperation between the two countries.

Promoting friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Slovenia (image 1)

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon. (Photo: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS)

During her working visit, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Tanja Fajon; worked with the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Igor Papic; visited the NAPREJ Institute for Innovation; met with the President of the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tibor Simonka; met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Slovenia; and attended the ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Slovenia.

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