In a significant development marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Vietnam and the Czech Republic have officially upgraded their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. This milestone was achieved during the official visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính to Prague from January 18 to 20, 2025, where he met with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
Key Highlights of the Strategic Partnership:
- Comprehensive Cooperation: The partnership aims to deepen collaboration across a wide range of sectors including defense, security, trade, investment, education, science and technology, environment, healthcare, and tourism.
- Economic Cooperation: Both countries committed to leveraging the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to boost bilateral trade, with a target of reaching USD 5 billion. In the first 11 months of 2024, Vietnam’s imports from the Czech Republic increased by 33.6%, while exports to the Czech Republic surged by over 101%.
- Emerging Industries: The partnership emphasizes cooperation in emerging sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, biotechnology, and photonics.
- Defense and Security: The two nations agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, including the exchange of information on strategic defense issues and collaboration on cybersecurity, transnational crime, and environmental security.
- Cultural and Educational Exchange: The partnership seeks to enhance people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges and educational cooperation, fostering mutual understanding and shared growth.
This strategic partnership not only aims to elevate bilateral relations but also contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and globally.
Sources for further reading:
Key Highlights | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
Strategic Partnership Established | Vietnam and the Czech Republic upgraded their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s visit to Prague (Jan 18-20, 2025), marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. | |
Comprehensive Cooperation | The agreement strengthens cooperation in defense, security, trade, investment, education, science & technology, environment, healthcare, and tourism. | |
Economic Engagement | Vietnam and the Czech Republic seek to maximize EVFTA benefits and increase bilateral trade to US$5 billion. In the first 11 months of 2024, Vietnam’s imports from the Czech Republic grew by 33.6%, while exports surged by 101%. | |
Emerging Industries Collaboration | Focus on semiconductor production, AI, cloud computing, biotechnology, and photonics to strengthen technological ties. | |
Defense and Security Cooperation | Strengthened cooperation in strategic defense, cybersecurity, transnational crimes, and environmental security. | |
Cultural and Educational Exchange | Plans to expand student exchange programs, cultural collaboration, and training in advanced technologies. | |
Global and Regional Impact | The partnership contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe and Southeast Asia. | |
Video Overview | Watch a summary of the Vietnam-Czech Strategic Partnership. |

