Vietnam – Spain relations flourish on solid foundation: Ambassador
The thriving Vietnam – Spain relations have evolved significantly, building upon their strong foundation nurtured for the last nearly five decades, Spanish Ambassador Carmen Cano de Lasala has said.
Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano de Lasala (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – ꦅThe thriving Vietnam – Spain relations have evolved significantly, building upon their strong foundation nurtured for the last nearly five decades, Spanish Ambassador Carmen Cano de Lasala has said.
In a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, the diplomat highlighted the robust development of bilateral relations over the recent past, with Spain becoming the first country in the European Union to establish a strategic partnership with Vietnam – in 2009, paving the way for enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors. The two countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Spanish Embassy in Hanoi in 2026 and the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations in the following year.
She held that the establishment of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam in the end of 2022 and the upcoming meeting of the joint committee on economic, trade, investment cooperation underscore the growing significance of bilateral trade ties.
Beyond economic ties, the two countries share substantial potential for collaboration in culture, higher education, sports, tourism and Spanish language training, she said, adding amidst complicated geostrategy, they maintain a strong commitment to promoting multilateralism and international law – the important factors to adjust the bilateral ties and respond to global challenges.
Touching on education cooperation, the ambassador noted higher education, research and development, and innovation are among the fields in which both sides are investing and wish to bolster connections. She laid stress on the recent signing of a letter of intent on technology transfer and innovation between Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology’s State Agency for Technology Innovation and Spain's Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology in September last year. She said the deal is expected to faciliate cooperation between enterprises of both sides in the domain.
Regarding sports, particularly football, she noted Spain’s football has established its international prestige and influence, which helps popularise the country’s images across the globe. She also highlighted national football championships La Liga's presence in Vietnam, pledging to help boost cooperation in developing both men's and women's football, with a special focus on the youth's.
On infrastructure development, particularly regarding Vietnam's recently approved North–South high-speed railway project, the ambassador highlighted Spain's expertise in the field, and that the country ranks second globally in the expressway length and first in terms of the high-speed rail network length per capita, having developed one of the world's most important high-speed rail networks in just three decades.
Spanish enterprises have demonstrated their capaciy in constructing quality high-speed rail systems in areas with complex terrains and climates, as evidenced by projects like the Mecca–Medina line in Saudi Arabia and the Almaty–Astana route in Kazakhstan. The companies stand ready to contribute their expertise to Vietnam's ambitious railway project, according to the diplomat.
She also underscored the environmental benefits of rail transport, which will help Vietnam achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050. Drawing from Spain's experience, she elaborated how high-speed rail has revolutionised Spanish lifestyle and mobility, with trains reaching speeds of over 300 km/h connecting Madrid to Barcelona in less than three hours, helping promote tourism and investment while reducing pollution./.
A high-level delegation of Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, led by Minister General Luong Tam Quang, paid working visits to Spain and Germany from October 22 to 29, at the invitation of law enforcement agencies of the host countries.
Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) Nguyen Xuan Thang received new Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano de Lasala in Hanoi on August 29.
Vietnam's coffee export value to Spain have increased by more than 100%, according to the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
