Deepening Vietnam - Spain strategic partnership toward 50-year milestone
VOV.VN - Vietnam and Spain have agreed to vigorously boost their strategic partnership across all fields as they look toward the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, following political consultations in Madrid on November 5.
Co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Spanish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Global Issues Diego Martinez Belio at the Spanish Foreign Ministry, the 6th political consultation reviewed robust bilateral momentum spanning politics, trade, defense, health, and education.
State Secretary Belio applauded Vietnam's rising regional standing, pledging closer coordination to carry out existing agreements. On economic cooperation, Deputy Minister Hang urged Spain to press the European Commission for an early removal of the IUU "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood and to encourage remaining EU member states to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
Belio welcomed the proposal, highlighting the success of the inaugural Joint Committee meeting in October 2025 and proposing a second session in 2027, alongside expanded projects in renewable energy and transport infrastructure.
The two diplomats agreed to intensify educational and medical exchanges, promote Spanish language teaching in Vietnam, and organize joint cultural events for the 2027 milestone. Belio affirmed Spain's continued support for the Vietnamese community in the country.
Discussing international affairs, both sides shared consistent stances in supporting multilateralism, upholding international law and the UN Charter, and settling disputes peacefully. Regarding the East Sea (South China Sea), they underscored the necessity of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and aviation, while resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue in accordance with international law, notably the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Concluding the talks, they agreed to hold the next consultations in Hanoi at a mutually convenient time. During her visit on November 6, Hang worked with the Spanish Diplomatic Academy to discuss training cooperation, academic exchange, and scholarships. On the same day, she also held a working session with the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Spain.
Vietnam–Spain Friendship Association looks to strengthen people-to-people ties
The Vietnam–Spain Friendship Association will step up people-to-people diplomacy to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as highlighted at its fourth National Congress for the 2026–2031 term in Hanoi on August 11.
HCM City, Spain's Catalonia region push for stronger investment promotion
VOV.VN - The Ho Chi Minh City -Catalonia Investment Promotion Conference 2026 was held on July 29 by the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC) in coordination with Catalonia Trade & Investment.
