The Spanish officialis in Hanoi for the two countries’ fourth deputy foreign ministerial level politicalconsultation.
Spain is currently a big EU trade partner of Vietnam, posting a trade value of2.9 billion USD in 2016. However, the country’s investment in Vietnam remainsbelow its potential.
“The VietnameseGovernment will provide all possible conditions for Spanish business people tooperate successfully in Vietnam,” Deputy PM Minh said.
On the occasion, he asked the two foreign ministries to work closely for thesuccessful organisation of celebrations of the 40th anniversary ofVietnam-Spain diplomatic ties in 2017, thus bringing the strategic partnershipto the next level in service of their people.
Ignacio Ybañez Rubio stated that Vietnam is always one of Spain’s importantpartners in the region and Span is eager for increasing its presence in Vietnamthrough new agreements and cooperative projects, especially in economy.
He said he wants the two countries to continue implementing cooperationmechanisms, and coordinating in organising events to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Regarding on the East Sea issue, the Secretary of State said Spain supports thesettlement of disputes in the sea area through peaceful means and in compliancewith international law and common norms, including the 1982 UN Convention onthe Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the EastSea.
Earlier, in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Secretary of StateIgnacio Ybañez Rubio affirmed wishes to reinforce the strategic partnershipwith Vietnam, which was established in 2009.
He said his visit’s purpose is to deepen the relations between the twocountries and Spain wants to become a close partner of Vietnam, in particularin trade.
Spain highly valuesVietnam’s role in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia. Vietnam, the Philippines,and Indonesia are Spain’s three leading partners in ASEAN, he said.
Spain and Vietnam signed an agreement on investment protection and an agreementon double taxation avoidance to facilitate their businesses’ investmentactivities.-VNA