General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man welcomed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on his official visit to Vietnam, with both sides expressing the will to upgrade bilateral relations.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that this historic visit - the first by a Spanish head of government to Vietnam - marks a new driving force for advancing the “Strategic Partnership towards the Future” between the two countries to a new level.

Prime Minister Sánchez affirmed that Spain values Vietnam's role and position both regionally and globally, especially in its foreign policy framework. He conveyed Spain’s desire to elevate ties with Vietnam to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Vietnamese leader shared views on global economic developments and reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to a self-reliant policy, market diversification - including the EU and Africa - advancing science and technology, and boosting trade with partners like Spain.

Prime Minister Sánchez noted the synergies between the two dynamic economies and proposed that Vietnam send a delegation to Spain to exchange experience and support efforts to have the European Commission lift the “IUU yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood.

With Spain being home to the world’s second-largest high-speed rail network, the Prime Minister shared Spanish interest in participating in Vietnam’s infrastructure and railway development projects.

Opening a new chapter in bilateral ties

Welcoming Prime Minister Sánchez, President Luong Cuong expressed confidence that the visit would open a new chapter, promoting substantive and effective development of the Vietnam–Spain “Strategic Partnership towards the Future.”

He noted that Vietnam deeply appreciates Spain’s support during its post-war reconstruction and development journey.

Prime Minister Sánchez reaffirmed Vietnam as one of Spain’s top priority partners in Southeast Asia and supported the goal of elevating the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He congratulated Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of national reunification and expressed admiration for its development achievements.

The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in defense and security, culture, sports, tourism, local partnerships, people-to-people exchange, and education - especially training high-quality human resources in tourism, semiconductors, science, and technology.

The Spanish Prime Minister also suggested that Vietnam consider measures to balance trade with the EU and pledged to continue supporting the Vietnamese community in Spain, recognizing their vital role as a bridge between the two nations.

President Luong Cuong welcomed Spain’s willingness to serve as a bridge for ASEAN–EU ties and affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to promote Spain–ASEAN relations.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Sánchez, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man highlighted the strong relations between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Spanish Parliament.

He affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to help connect the Spanish Parliament with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and suggested maintaining regular meetings between the countries’ parliamentary friendship groups to boost legislative cooperation.

Prime Minister Sánchez expressed interest in expanding collaboration in Spain’s areas of strength, such as infrastructure, railways, the automotive industry, and renewable energy. He also announced plans to meet with the Vietnamese community in Spain to hear their views and concerns.

The two sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation mechanisms, promote delegation exchanges, and increase collaboration between parliamentary committees to share legislative and oversight experiences, thereby fostering greater political trust and mutual understanding.

They also committed to closer cooperation in inter-parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF).

Tran Thuong & Pham Hai