Hanoi, April 15 -- The recent visit by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has opened a new phase in the 76-year Vietnam - Slovakia relationship, highlighted by the upgrade to a Strategic Partnership and further expanding Vietnam's network of key global partners, according to Ambassador to Slovakia Pham Truong Giang.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Giang said the move makes Slovakia Vietnam's 12th strategic partner, alongside 15 comprehensive strategic partners, strengthening its international linkages and supporting goals of sovereignty protection, socio-economic development and global integration.

He said the visit was highly productive, focusing on elevating the relationship framework and delivering concrete agreement, la...