Vietnamese PM meets with Spanish counterpart in Brussels
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón on the sidelines of the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit marking 45 years of diplomatic ties in Brussels, Belgium, on December 14.
PM Pham Minh Chinh (second, right) at the meeting with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón (second, left). (Photo: VNA)
Brussels (VNA) – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with hisSpanish counterpart PedroSánchez Pérez-Castejón on the sidelines of the ASEAN-EU CommemorativeSummit marking 45 years of diplomatic ties in Brussels, Belgium, on December14.
Themeeting took place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 45thfounding anniversary of diplomatic relations (1977-2022).
Chinhaffirmed that Spain is one of the important and potential partners of Vietnamin the European Union (EU).
In orderto deepen the Vietnam-Spain strategic partnership, he suggested competentagencies of the two nations work together closely and take full advantage ofthe EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), striving to lift two-way trade to5 billion USD within the next 2-3 years; speed up the progress of development cooperationprojects; and enhance the efficiency of cooperation in the fields ofscience-technology, response to climate change, national defence, and theenvironment.
Chinhalso proposed Spain urge the European Commission (EC) to soon remove its IUU “yellowcard” warning against Vietnamese aquatic products.
PedroSánchez agreed with Chinh’s proposals and expressed hisimpression for Vietnam’s achievements in the reform process and internationalintegration.
Hepledged that Spain, in its capacity as rotating President of the EU in thesecond half of 2023, will prompt EU member states to ratify the EU-VietnamInvestment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
TheSpanish leader spoke highly of Vietnam’s role and position in the region andthe world, and invited Vietnam to join the International Drought ResilienceAlliance initiated by Spain and Senegal with the participation of more than 30countries.
Hesuggested the two nations continue to step up bilateral and multilateral cooperationin digital transformation and renewable energy.
Chinhtook this occasion to invite Pedro Sánchez to visit Vietnam in 2023, while the Spanishleader invited the Vietnamese PM to visit Spain at a appropriate time. The two leadersaccepted the invitations with pleasure and the visits would be arranged via thediplomatic channel./.
The Vietnam Embassy in Spain has held a ceremony to mark Vietnam’s 74th National Day and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam – Spain strategic partnership.
A senior official of Spain’s Congress of Deputies expressed his hope for greater strides in cooperation with Vietnam in the time ahead while meeting with Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Do Ba Ty in Madrid on October 1.
Vietnam and Spain are standing a good chance to further develop ties, given that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect from August and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVPIA) has already ratified by Vietnam and is pending ratification in the EU, Vietnamese Ambassador to Spain Hoang Xuan Hai has said.
A Spanish official affirmed that the European country attaches importance to comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam while addressing a ceremony held in Madrid by the Vietnamese Embassy on October 3.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Ha expressed his hope that cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, and natural resources would emerge as new focal points and engines of growth in Vietnam–China relations.
Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, Hoan, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in connection with a case involving the Hoang Long Construction and Manpower Supply JSC and related units.
Chairing a national conference on the organisation of the examination on June 18, the PM highlighted the historical significance of the examination, as the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units is underway and the two-tier local administration model is set to officially begin operations on July 1.
Right on the same day, the ministry issued its highest-level travel warning, urging Vietnamese citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran, and advised those already in these countries to swiftly consider evacuation or relocation plans.
From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.
The Party leader's working session with the standing boards of the Party Committees of HCM City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong, the VNA General Director's remarks on the occasion of the 19th OANA General Assembly, the launch of new NIC - Google initiatives aimed at bolstering AI entrepreneurship and digital literacy in Vietnam are among news highlights June 18.
Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
The Vietnamese representative also emphasised the shared responsibility of relevant parties to build trust, enhance cooperation, and jointly manage the risks of conflict, thus safeguarding long-term peace and stability in the East Sea.
The National Assembly on June 18 passed the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality, with 408 out of 420 participating deputies voting in favour, accounting for 85.36% of the total.
The Party leader asked the new HCM City to embrace a multi-centre and integrated urban ecosystem where each development pole functions as a link complementary to and intelligently connected with each other in a harmonious whole.
The resolutions issued by the PM as well as ministries and ministry-level agencies reassign responsibility for 346 administrative procedures - 18 from district to provincial levels, 278 to commune level, and 50 eliminated.
Legislators are due to pass several amended laws, including the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, and the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality.
PM Pham Minh Chinh (second, right) at the meeting with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón (second, left). (Photo: VNA) 
