Vietnam, Spain Agree to Develop Strategic Partnership Ties

The governments of Vietnam and Spain have just signed a joint action program to define the development of “strategic partnership towards future”.

 

The signing was made in Madrid Dec 15 with the witness of the visiting President Nguyen Minh Triet and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Vietnam government said.

 

In order to build the strategic partnership, the two leaders agreed to boost further exchange of delegations and facilitate the trade, investment cooperation in fields of infrastructures, energy, science-technology and tourism.  

 

Vietnam is an emerging economy of the world, the Spanish PM said, noting his country wants to increase bilateral ties with the Southeast Asian nation in all aspects.

 

Other agreements were already inked on the occasion including memoranda of understanding on scientific and technological, social cooperation, capital provision for the construction of a metro in Ho Chi Minh City and the list of prioritized projects for the fourth financial program.

 

President Triet also informed the host of Vietnam’s decision to participate in the “Alliance of Civilizations” under Spain’s initiative.

 

President Triet, who arrived in Madrid Dec 13 at the invitation of King Juan Carlos, met with parliamentarians of the Spanish Upper and Lower Houses and attended a Vietnam-Spain Business Forum earlier.

 

Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, who is accompanying President Triet’s on his four-day visit, also worked with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos.

 

The two ministers inked an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders, a cooperation agreement between the two ministries and memoranda of understanding in the fields of labor and social insurance. (www.chinhphu.vn, Local sources)