Kalinak Visits Vietnam to Discuss Defence Cooperation

Bratislava/Hanoi, 18 November (TASR) - Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) visited Vietnam on Tuesday to meet his counterpart Phan Van Giang and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam in order to discuss cooperation in the defence sector, as well as in other areas, with Lam extending his invitation to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to visit Vietnam, TASR has reported, citing the Vietnam+ agency. Lam welcomed that Kalinak's visit to Vietnam coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the former Czechoslovakia. He reaffirmed that Slovakia has always been a loyal and close friend of Vietnam, praising its continuous support and solidarity with the Vietnamese people over the past 75 years. Kalinak said he was impressed by Vietnam's achievements, which have elevated the country to a key player in Asia. He stressed that Vietnam remains one of Slovakia's most important partners in the region, and also suggested cooperation in identifying and preserving historic sites in Slovakia which were visited by Vietnam's first president Ho Chi Minh. According to Kalinak, Slovakia wishes to further enhance the effectiveness of multifaceted cooperation, particularly as regards the defence industry, and confirmed readiness to work with Vietnam on research and joint projects. At the meeting with Giang, Kalinak also confirmed that Slovakia will appoint its defence attache in Vietnam. The ministers agreed to expand cooperation within UN peacekeeping missions and the defence industry, as well as in strategic areas, such as cybersecurity and mine clearance. jrg