Vietnam becomes key trade partner of Slovenia in Asia: Official

After 30 years of developing bilateral relations, Vietnam has become a key trade partner of Slovenia in Asia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon has stated.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son shakes hands with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon

In a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 30th founding anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (June 7, 1994 - 2024), Fajon highly valued Vietnam’s role and position and expressed her belief in the potential to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

According to the official, the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties was an important milestone, demonstrating the desire of both countries to gain a deeper understanding of each other and their readiness to promote cooperation at various levels and in different fields.

The two countries have maintained regular dialogues despite the geographical distance and limited resources, she said, noting that exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have been strengthened in recent times.

One of the exemplary efforts in promoting bilateral relations mentioned by Fajon was the 3rd meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation between Vietnam and Slovenia in Ljubljana last October.

She also expressed her impression on Vietnam's achievements, saying that the strong growth of bilateral trade relations has reflected the central position Vietnam has achieved in important industries and global supply chains.

The official revealed that a delegation of Slovenian businesses has planned to visit and explore the Vietnamese market, focusing on the potential for maritime and aviation connections between the two countries.

Fajon also highlighted tourism as another potential area of cooperation between Slovenia and Vietnam.

She expressed her joy and appreciation of the commitment by both Slovenia and Vietnam to pursuing multilateralism and respecting international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Slovenia desires to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in all mutually beneficial areas, which is also crucial as Slovenia is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2024-2025 term, she said.

The diplomat also spotlighted tourism cooperation and culture and art exchange between the two nations.

Fajon stated that Slovenia will promote the opening of an honorary consulate office in Ho Chi Minh City to further support the enhancement of cooperation between Slovenia, a member of the European Union (EU), and Vietnam, a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), especially in economy.

The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has elevated the relationship between the EU and Vietnam to a new height, she said, adding that her country continues to join efforts by other EU member states to accelerate the ratification of the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Fajon also spoke highly of Vietnam's efforts to intensify the strategic partnership between the EU and ASEAN, stating that amidst global volatilities, strengthening cooperation with Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, plays a crucial role./.

VNA