Vietnam, Spain Agree to Deepen Comprehensive Cooperation During PM Sánchez’s Official Visit
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Wednesday held talks with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez, who is on a three-day official visit to Vietnam. The two leaders agreed to further bolster the Vietnam–Spain Strategic Partnership, with a shared commitment to advancing comprehensive cooperation across multiple sectors in the years ahead.
Welcoming the visit — the first by a Spanish head of government since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries — Prime Minister Chính expressed confidence that it marks a new chapter in bilateral relations. He emphasized Vietnam’s desire to strengthen its multifaceted cooperation with Spain, its first strategic partner in the European Union.
Chính praised Spain’s notable achievements in socio-economic development and its active role in addressing global issues. Highlighting shared values, geographical significance, and deep cultural traditions, he said these commonalities create a solid foundation for expanding collaboration in fields such as politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, defence, science and technology, infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Sánchez stated that his visit aims to lay the groundwork for increased high-level exchanges and the eventual establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He commended Việt Nam’s impressive economic growth and progress in science, technology, and digital transformation, and affirmed Việt Nam’s position as one of Spain’s priority partners in ASEAN.
Sánchez also noted the growing interest of Spanish businesses and tourists in Việt Nam, especially in the areas of railways, urban metro systems, energy, and aviation.
In a cordial and forward-looking atmosphere, the two leaders held in-depth discussions on major cooperation orientations. They agreed to intensify delegation exchanges at all levels, enhance existing bilateral mechanisms, and consider establishing new sectoral frameworks. The ministries of foreign affairs from both sides were tasked with coordinating efforts to elevate bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Chính reaffirmed Việt Nam’s consistent foreign policy approach of “calm, resilience, flexibility, and creativity,” underpinned by a commitment to dialogue and non-confrontation. He highlighted the government’s efforts to transition to a green, sustainable economy and strengthen resilience to external shocks.
He also outlined the country’s proactive measures to improve the business and investment environment, including transparent institutions, smart governance, and infrastructure development — all aimed at fostering long-term investment by foreign enterprises, including those from Spain.
Both leaders recognized economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a central pillar of the strategic partnership. They pledged to fully implement the EU–Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the newly signed bilateral financial cooperation protocol. Additionally, they agreed to convene the first session of the joint economic, trade, and investment committee within this year, aiming to exceed US$8 billion in bilateral trade.
Sánchez pledged Spain’s support for the early ratification of the EU–Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and urged the European Commission to lift the IUU yellow-card warning on Vietnamese seafood exports. He also encouraged Việt Nam to streamline non-tariff procedures and provide greater market access for Spanish agricultural and poultry products.
On tourism and cultural cooperation, Sánchez expressed appreciation for Việt Nam’s continued visa exemption for Spanish citizens. The leaders agreed to promote collaboration in education, culture, sports, sustainable agriculture, human resource development, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed enhancing cooperation in defence and security, including defence industry, counter-terrorism, transnational crime prevention, UN peacekeeping, and post-war legacy resolution.
Both sides identified promising cooperation areas in science and technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and digital transformation. Prime Minister Chính proposed the establishment of a direct flight route between Việt Nam and Spain to enhance tourism and connectivity.
Sánchez acknowledged the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community in Spain and committed to continued support for their integration.
Reaffirming shared values, the leaders stressed multilateralism, solidarity, and adherence to international law in tackling global challenges. They vowed to maintain close cooperation in multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations and ASEAN–EU framework.
Sánchez praised Việt Nam’s proactive role in promoting peace, cooperation, and sustainable development, and confirmed Spain’s participation in the upcoming P4G Summit hosted by Vietnam. Prime Minister Chính reiterated Vietnam’s readiness to act as a bridge between ASEAN and Spain, and expressed hope for stronger EU–Vietnam–Latin America cooperation.
On regional security, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea (South China Sea), supporting ASEAN’s and Việt Nam’s position on resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
On this occasion, Prime Minister Sánchez extended an invitation to his Vietnamese counterpart to visit Spain. Prime Minister Chính accepted the invitation and instructed the two foreign ministries to coordinate the visit at a mutually convenient time.
