Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh spoke highly of the positive development of Vietnam – Spain strategic partnership during a reception in Hanoi on May 15 for Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Maria Jesus.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Maria Jesus (Source: VNA) |
Minh hailed the Ambassador’s efforts in promoting Vietnam – Spain ties during her first year of tenure.
Both sides have worked closely together at multilateral forums and international organisations. Spain is now Vietnam’s major trade partner in the European Union with two-way trade of 3.1 billion USD last year.
The Deputy PM believed that Maria Jesus will actively partner with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to reinforce Vietnam – Spain relations as well as Vietnam – EU ties.
The host wished that the Spanish government and ambassador would take measures to push forward bilateral trade and investment, especially in clean technology, renewable energy, and environment.
The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry, ministries and agencies will create favourable conditions for the ambassador to fulfill assigned tasks, he said.
Maria Jesus, for her part, affirmed that Spain always treasures strengthening ties with Vietnam and wished to launch cooperation mechanisms to continue deepening bilateral strategic partnership.
She pledged to do her best to cultivate bilateral friendship as well as Vietnam – EU ties during her tenure.
According to her, Spanish firms are interested in Vietnamese market, focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure.
Spain will push forward the implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Vietnam and the EU, the signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement to open up new prospects in bilateral trade and investment in the near future./.