Vietnam, Spain agree to develop ties
The foreign ministers of Vietnam and Spain have agreed on measures to boost bilateral relations between the two countries, following talks in Hanoi on March 26.
Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose Manual Garcia Margallo concurred that the two sides should increase communication and the exchange of delegations, while optimising existing cooperation channels, such as political consultations at deputy foreign minister level and the joint committee on development cooperation.
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The two politicians stated attention should be paid to expanding collaboration in culture, education-training, transport, tourism and security-defence in the time to come.
Discussing regional and international issues of common concern, the two sides agreed to maintain their close coordination at international and regional forums, particularly those in the framework of the United Nations, ASEAN-EU and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
Vietnam pledged to help Spain expand its relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN member countries.
Spain affirmed its support for stronger relations between Vietnam and the EU, including swift recognition of Vietnam’s full market economy status.
Minister Margallo, who is being accompanied by 15 leading Spanish businesses, is making an official visit to Vietnam from March 25-27 at the invitation of FM Minh, who is also Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister.
Vietnam and Spain have seen their ties grow on the foundation of a strategic partnership, which was established in 2009. Two-way trade almost doubled over the past three years, from US$1.33 billion in 2010 to US$2.4 billion in 2013.