Exploring all the untapped potential of Vietnam-Spain relation: Spanish Ambassador
WVR - Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s official visit to Vietnam is a demonstration of the willingness to explore all the untapped potential of bilateral ties, Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano De Lasala has stated.
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| Spanish Prime Minister’s visit to Vietnam opens new chapter in bilateral relations: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with the Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam, Carmen Cano De Lasala, on April 4, 2025. (Source: VNA) |
Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano De Lasala shared this perspective with Vietnamese media in an interview on the occasion of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s official visit to Vietnam from April 8-10, at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Could you please share the significances and focuses of the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s official visit to Vietnam?
This is the first visit by a Prime Minister of Spain to Vietnam. In 2027, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
With this visit, we aim to express the political will to make the most of the bilateral relations between both countries. Spain and Vietnam are very close partners with complementary economies. Both countries are showing very strong performance in an uncertain international context.
The visit of the Spanish Prime Minister will contribute to strengthen and enhance the ties between our two countries, and we are confident that it will soon be reciprocated by a high level visit to Spain.
What are the key priorities that Spain aims to promote within the framework of the Vietnam-Spain Strategic Partnership?
Spain was the first EU member state to sign a strategic partnership with Vietnam, in 2009. We were also among the first to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). This is a demonstration of the willingness to work together to explore all the untapped potential of our relationship.
During the visit of our Prime Minister, agreements will be signed on investment, agriculture, political consultations, culture and sports, and cooperation between respective diplomatic academies. We are committed to working to bring the relation to a new level.
This visit also offers a unique opportunity to discuss the contributions that Spanish companies, which are global leaders in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy or circular economy, can offer to the economic development of Vietnam.
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| Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano De Lasala. (Source: Spanish Embassy) |
How could Vietnam and Spain cooperate to address challenges in the current complex geopolitical context while seizing new development opportunities?
The visit takes place in a complex geostrategic environment, with increasing uncertainties and instability. In this context, reliable partners become even more important.
Spain and Vietnam understand well the importance of peace and freedom, therefore, we also share a commitment to multilateralism and a rule-based international order. We want to work together in favor of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. In June, Spain hosts the UN conference for financing development.
What are the prospects of developing the relations between the two countries in the coming time?
We are confident that this visit will open a new chapter in our bilateral relations. We already enjoy solid diplomatic relations and very positive figures in our trade and investment figures over the last years.
I would also like to underline growing exchanges between our respective societies. Vietnam is becoming a very popular destination for Spanish tourists, who feel welcome and comfortable with the Vietnamese culture.
At the same time, we see increasing demand in Vietnam to learn Spanish, not only the second most spoken language in the world by number of native speakers, but also an open door to a market of five hundred million people.
Thank you!
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