During their talks in Madrid on December 15, Vietnamese State President Nguyen Minh Triet and Spanish PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero agreed to strengthen the two countries’ cooperation at international forums and organizations, including the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), to cope with global challenges such as climate change, energy and food security.
 |
|
Vietnamese State President Nguyen Minh Triet (L) and Spanish PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Madrid, December 15, 2009
|
Spanish PM Zapatero praised Vietnam's socio-economic achievements, describing the Southeast Asican country a successful model in implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), reducing poverty and using official development assistance (ODA).
He confirmed Spain’s willingness to support Vietnam in strengthening its comprehensive relationship with the European Union (EU) and negotiating on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the EU. Spain is interested in developing the multi-faceted relationship with Vietnam, an emerging economy, he said.
After the talks, State President Triet and PM Zapatero witnessed the signing of the “Joint Action Program between the Governments of Vietnam and Spain”, defining the strategic partnership towards the future between the two countries.
Earlier, he delivered a speech before parliamentarians from the Upper and Lower Houses of the Spanish Parliament.
Speaking at the Vietnam - Spain business forum in the morning, President Triết affirmed future cooperation between the two countries, especially in economics, trade and investment. He added that Vietnam desires to strengthen cooperation with Spain to attract more investment as well as learn experience. He was convinced that Spanish investors will broaden operations in Vietnam in various fields.
At the forum, President Triet met with Spain’s leading entrepreneurs who are deploying projects in Việt Nam in the fields of energy, electricity and infrastructure.
On the occasion, Vietnamese Deputy PM, FM Pham Gia Khiem inked with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos an agreement between the two governments on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders; and a Memoranda of Understanding on cooperation between the two ministries./.