This is the first time a Spanish Prime Minister has visited Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1977. Sanchez’s visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic, economic, and trade relations, generating momentum for the two countries to continue their efforts to elevate the relationship to new heights, making it more substantial and effective.

In a warm and open atmosphere, Chinh personally greeted Sanchez at the car door, and the two PMs walked together as the children waved flags of Vietnam and Spain. As they approached the podium of honour, the national anthems of both countries were played.

The two PMs rendered the flag salute, and afterward, Chinh invited Sanchez to review the guard of honour of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Following the welcoming ceremony, they moved to the Government Headquarters for talks on measures to strengthen Vietnam – Spain relations.

During his stay from April 8-10, Sanchez is scheduled to meet with other senior Vietnamese leaders, engage in important activities in Hanoi, and visit Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam and Span established diplomatic relations in 1977 and the two countries upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership in 2009, opening up opportunities for broader cooperation in many areas.

The two countries have built a strong, deep relationship based on mutual trust and understanding through exchanges of delegations and regular cooperation at various levels. Both countries have actively collaborated and supported each other in multilateral mechanisms, especially within the United Nations and ASEAN-EU frameworks.

Bilateral economic and trade relations have seen significant growth. The two sides have effectively implemented the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which took effect in August 2020. Spain also ratified the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in January 2022.

Spain is Vietnam’s fifth largest trading partner in the EU, and Vietnam is Spain’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. In 2024, bilateral trade reached US$4.72 billion, representing a year-on-year rise of 20%. As of January 2025, Spain had 97 projects in Vietnam, with a total investment of US$143.9 million, ranking 46th out of 149 foreign investors in the country. Vietnam has three investment projects in Spain, with a capital of US$64.2 million.

Vietnam remains one of Spain’s priority partners for development cooperation, with a commitment of over US$1 billion in concessional loans and non-refundable aid through six cooperation programmes.

Vietnam-Spain strategic partnership in focus

VOV.VN - Over the past 48 years, the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Spain have grown steadily across various sectors, especially since the two countries upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership in 2009.