Warsaw, January 17, 2025 – The Europe Today: As part of his official visit to Poland, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and his spouse met with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Poland on January 16. The event underscored the strong ties between the two nations and highlighted the contributions of overseas Vietnamese to both their homeland and their host country.
Vietnamese Ambassador Hà Hoàng Hải praised the Vietnamese community in Poland, which numbers approximately 25,000, for its solidarity, economic stability, and deep integration. He noted the community’s significant achievements in various fields, including science, music, arts, and local governance. Ambassador Hải also commended the preservation of Vietnamese language schools in Poland, which foster cultural identity among younger generations.
During the meeting, community representatives expressed pride in Vietnam’s progress and gratitude for the support of the Party, State, and Government. They presented proposals to the Prime Minister, including the recognition of Vietnamese as a foreign language in Polish schools, expanded cultural events to promote Vietnam’s image, and the establishment of direct flights between Vietnam and Poland to boost trade and tourism.
PM Chính conveyed warm greetings and gratitude from Vietnam’s leadership to the community, emphasizing their role as an integral part of the nation. He reaffirmed the unwavering friendship between Vietnam and Poland, rooted in shared history and mutual support.
The Prime Minister addressed the community’s proposals, directing relevant ministries to:
- Review nationality-related regulations and identity card issuance for overseas Vietnamese (OVs).
- Strengthen collaboration with Polish authorities to introduce Vietnamese language education in schools.
- Enhance funding for cultural events promoting Vietnam’s heritage.
- Support scientific research by OVs and leverage intellectual resources for national development.
PM Chính also highlighted discussions with Polish leaders, including President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, on recognizing the Vietnamese community as an ethnic minority group in Poland. He expressed optimism about Poland’s commitment to ratifying the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement.
He underscored the importance of cultural cooperation, calling it the cornerstone of national identity and a key driver of development. He tasked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Education and Training to strengthen collaboration with Poland in education and cultural exchange programs.
The Prime Minister concluded by encouraging the Vietnamese Embassy in Poland to serve as a bridge between the two nations, ensuring continued support for the community while fostering bilateral relations.
The event also saw heartfelt exchanges with Polish citizens connected to Vietnam, including individuals with historical ties to the country’s struggle for independence, further deepening the bond between the two nations.
