Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez starts official visit to Vietnam
Ahead of the visit, the Spanish PM hailed Vietnam as a magnet for foreign investment, noting that Spanish companies and leaders in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors stand to push important business opportunities in Vietnam on the back of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrives at Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived in Hanoi on April 8 ✨evenin✃g, beginning his official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh.
PM Sánchez is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares Bueno; Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Luis Planas Puchades; Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano de Lasala; Secretary of State for Economy and the G20 at the Office of the Spanish PM Manuel De la Rocha Vázquez; Secretary of State for Trade Amparo López Senovilla; Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs at the PM Office Emma Aparici Vázquez de Parga, among others.
The delegation was welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and Vietnamese Ambassador to Spain Doan Thanh Song, among others.
Ahead of the visit, the Spanish PM hailed Vietnam as a magnet for foreign investment, noting that Spanish companies and leaders in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors stand to push important business opportunities in Vietnam on the back of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.
In a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Vietnamese Ambassador to Spain Doan Thanh Song called the visit a milestone - the first by a Spanish PM since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1977 and the first high-level Spanish visit since King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia’s trip in 2006.
Song described the visit as a proof of robust ties across multiple domains, from politics to economy, trade and investment, culture, defence, security, education - training, and transport. The timing of the visit is especially meaningful as it comes shortly after the two countries celebrated the 15th anniversary of their strategic partnership in 2024 and ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung (R) welcomes Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the airport. (Photo: VNA)
Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano de Lasala, meanwhile, noted Spain’s pioneering role as the first EU nation to sign a Strategic Partnership with Vietnam in 2009 and among the first countries to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement. This clearly reflects the desire to fully exploit the untapped potential of bilateral partnership, she said.
The diplomat said collaboration agreements spanning investment, agriculture, political consultations, culture and sports, and cooperation between diplomatic academies are scheduled to be signed during the visit. The Spanish side pledged to elevate bilateral relations to a new height, she added./.
The visit is a vivid testament to the excellent cooperation between the two countries across multiple domains, from politics to economy, trade and investment, culture, defence, security, education - training, and transport, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Spain Doan Thanh Song.
The thriving Vietnam – Spain relations have evolved significantly, building upon their strong foundation nurtured for the last nearly five decades, Spanish Ambassador Carmen Cano de Lasala has said.
Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) Nguyen Xuan Thang received new Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano de Lasala in Hanoi on August 29.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
