Vietnam – Spain political consultation

At the Consultation, the two sides reviewed their cooperation and agreed on specific orientations and measures to promote the Vietnam-Spain Strategic Partnership towards the future in the coming time, as well as discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern.

In a friendly and cordial atmosphere, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Secretary of State Diego Martínez Belío discussed the socio-economic situation of each country; highly appreciated the positive developments in the bilateral relationship in recent times in the fields of politics - diplomacy, trade - investment, development cooperation, culture, education and tourism, especially after 15 years of implementing the Strategic Partnership framework towards the future (2009 - 2024), in which the two countries' Ministries of Foreign Affairs play a focal role.

In terms of politics and foreign affairs, the two sides agreed to increase contacts and delegation exchanges at all levels, and maintain regular political consultations at the Deputy Foreign Minister level. The two sides also agreed to coordinate in reviewing and upgrading signed cooperation documents, especially the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries and the Joint Action Program between the Governments of Vietnam and Spain signed in 2009; study the establishment and early implementation of new cooperation mechanisms, programs and agreements between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

Regarding trade and investment, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang suggested that both sides continue to fully and effectively implement the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA); thanked Spain for its early ratification of the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and asked Spain to urge the remaining EU countries to soon ratify this Agreement. Regarding the removal of the IUU yellow card for Vietnamese seafood, Secretary of State Diego Martínez Belío affirmed that he would support Vietnam in developing aquaculture towards sustainable fisheries.

The Spanish Secretary of State hopes that the two sides will soon implement the mechanism of the Joint Committee on Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation, and soon sign the Protocol on Financial Cooperation 6 to promote investment projects between the two countries, especially in areas where Spain has strengths and Vietnam has needs such as semiconductor chip production, renewable energy, high-speed railways, etc.

At the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Secretary of State Diego Martinez Belío also discussed measures to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defense - security, science - technology, culture - education, tourism and agriculture...

Accordingly, the two sides agreed to promote cooperation between high-tech and innovation research centers between the two countries; research cooperation on food hygiene and safety and fisheries development; promote cooperation in education and training, enhance Spanish language teaching for Vietnamese diplomats and students; coordinate the organization of tourism promotion events in the two countries, etc.

On this occasion, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang asked the Spanish government to continue to pay attention and create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in Spain, contributing to the local economy and promoting friendship between the two peoples.

Within the framework of the Political Consultation, the two sides discussed a number of international and regional issues of mutual concern, sharing views on supporting multilateralism, upholding the rule of law, enhancing dialogue, and peacefully resolving disputes. The two leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs agreed to continue to closely coordinate and support each other at international and regional forums, especially at the United Nations and within the ASEAN-EU framework.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides emphasized their support for maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, and resolving disputes by peaceful means through dialogue, on the basis of respect for international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides agreed to organize the 6th Vietnam - Spain Deputy Foreign Ministers' Political Consultation in Spain in the coming time.

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