On April 9, at the Presidential Palace, Politburo member and President Luong Cuong received Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
According to VNA, President Luong Cuong highly appreciated the meaning of the first visit of the head of the Spanish government since the two countries established diplomatic relations; Believing the visit will open a new page, bringing strategic partnership towards the future of Vietnam - Spain more and more developed, effective, meeting the aspirations and interests of the people of the two countries, for peace and cooperation in the region and around the world.
The Spanish Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam is one of Spain's top priority partners in Southeast Asia; agreed to upgrade relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. On this occasion, the Spanish Prime Minister sent the Spanish King's greetings to President Luong Cuong.
On behalf of the Government and people of Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez congratulated Vietnam on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification; expressed his impression of Vietnam's socio-economic development achievements in recent years; wished to continue to accompany Vietnam in the upcoming development journey, especially in areas where Spain has a lot of experience and strengths such as transport infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, etc.
In order to promote the potential and strengths of the two countries, and to make the Vietnam - Spain relationship increasingly deepen and substantial, the two sides agreed to increase high-level visits and contacts; promote cooperation in national defense and security, especially in training Vietnamese cadres and officers, defense industry, United Nations peacekeeping, overcoming the consequences of the war in Vietnam, cyber security, fighting against terrorism, transnational crimes, and illegal migration.
The two leaders agreed to continue to effectively implement and take advantage of great opportunities of the Vietnam - European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA); further deepen cooperation in the fields of defense - security, culture, sports and tourism, local cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, education - training, especially training high-quality human resources in areas such as tourism, semiconductor industry, science and technology...
President Luong Cuong thanked the Spanish Prime Minister for urging the remaining EU countries to soon ratify the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA); and the EC to soon remove the IUU yellow card for Vietnam.
The Spanish Prime Minister suggested that Vietnam consider measures to aim at the goal of trade balance between Vietnam and the EU; affirmed that it will continue to pay attention to and create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Spain, an important bridge to promote friendly cooperation between the two countries.
President Luong Cuong welcomed Spain's desire to act as a bridge to develop ASEAN-EU relations; affirmed that Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge to strengthen Spain-ASEAN relations.
On this occasion, President Luong Cuong conveyed an invitation to the Spanish King to soon visit Vietnam.
