<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Madrid, Doan Thanh Song, yesterday expressed his country's interest in cooperation with Spain in the areas of infrastructure, professional training, tourism and renewable energy, among other areas.</strong></h4> The ambassador made this statement in his speech during the reception held at the Nicolás Salmerón Cultural Center in Madrid to commemorate t<strong>he 79th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day and the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Strategic Partnership</strong> between that country and Spain. In his speech, the ambassador began by saying that since its reunification in 1975, Vietnam has made great economic achievements and is on its way to becoming the twentieth largest economy in the world. Specifically, he said that in recent decades, GDP has grown by around 7% annually, a percentage that is also expected for this year. Doan Thanh Song added that, during his visit to Spain in 2009, the then President of Vietnam agreed to elevate the relationship between the two countries to a strategic one. He stressed that Spain was one of the first EU countries to establish a strategic relationship with Vietnam and pointed out that 2024 marks a milestone because bilateral relations have been positive in all areas. “Vietnam and Spain - said the ambassador - have become increasingly important partners, sharing interests in many areas of political diplomacy, economy, culture, education or defense.” Doan Thanh Song added that Vietnam is currently Spain's largest trading partner in Asia, saying: "Trade volume between the two countries has seen remarkable growth, reaching a record $3.94 billion last year, three times more than in 2010 and with a constant increase of 15 to 20 percent each year." He also pointed out that for years, companies from the two countries have jointly carried out numerous projects in areas critical to Vietnam's progress, such as infrastructure planning, sustainable development or the application of new technologies. The ambassador recalled that there have been frequent exchanges of Spanish and Vietnamese delegations, including some high-level officials, and expressed his confidence that this exchange will increase over the next year. Doan Thanh Song quoted the Spanish saying "Sow good deeds and you will reap plenty of fruits," to affirm that a good sowing has recently been done with the signing of agreements that pave the way for greater trade achievements between the two countries. He also said that “the leaders of Vietnam and Spain have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the bilateral relationship, addressing challenges through cooperation,” especially in areas such as infrastructure, vocational training, tourism, digital transformation, work, climate change and renewable energy. After stressing that Vietnam and Spain share cultural wealth and creativity, he said that his country is famous for the beauty of its nature, but also “for its tasty, colorful and healthy cuisine,” which he invited the attendees to try afterwards, to help them understand the culture and charm of Vietnam. For his part,<strong> the general director of North America, Asia and the Pacific, Carlos Moreno</strong>, began by reiterating Spain's solidarity with those affected by the passage of Typhoon Yagi through Vietnam, and recalling that our country contributed 300,000 euros in humanitarian aid to alleviate the damage suffered. After referring, like the ambassador, to the 15th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership Agreement, he expressed the desire of the Spanish Government to continue deepening bilateral relations, both at the political, economic and cultural level. After recalling that the last round of bilateral political consultations was held in Madrid last April, he stressed that Spain was one of the first European countries to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Agreement. He indicated that one of Vietnam's strengths is its "powerful and competitive" industrial fabric, which makes many Spanish companies interested in the opportunities offered by the Vietnamese market. For this reason, he considered the recent creation of a Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam to be very positive. He recalled, in this regard, that many Spanish companies have already opted for Vietnam, such as <strong>Acciona, Navantia, CAF, Talgo, Airbus, Indra, Amadeus, Meliá or LaLiga.</strong> On this point, he said that the two countries have a shared passion, which is football, and that Spain should continue to promote greater sporting cooperation. She also expressed the desire to increase connections between Spain and Vietnam in all areas, and in particular in the area of teaching Spanish in the Asian country, which has a Cervantes Classroom in Hanoi. Finally, she recalled that Vietnam is consolidating itself as a very popular destination among Spanish tourists and pointed out that tourism helps to bring the countries closer together. Finally, the councillor for the Chamartín district, Yolanda Estrada Madrid, took the floor for a brief greeting. The reception opened with the national anthems of Vietnam and Spain and, after the speeches, an evening was offered consisting of musical performances and a fashion show of Áo dài models, the traditional Vietnamese dress, worn mainly by women. Among the attendees, who were also able to visit an exhibition of Spanish-Vietnamese painting and sample gastronomy from both countries, were numerous ambassadors, mainly from the Asian world, as well as the director of the CNI, Esperanza Casteleiro, the deputy of Sumar Enrique Santiago, businessmen and several diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [caption id="attachment_96347" align="alignnone" width="750"]<img class="size-full wp-image-96347" src="https://thediplomatinspain.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Carlos-Moreno-Gomez-ok.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="428" /> The director general of North America, Asia and Pacific, Carlos Moreno, highlighted the good relations between Vietnam and Spain.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_96349" align="alignnone" width="750"]<img class="size-full wp-image-96349" src="https://thediplomatinspain.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Con-suiza-ok.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="429" /> Welcome by the Swiss ambassador, Hans Peter Walter Mock.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_96351" align="alignnone" width="750"]<img class="size-full wp-image-96351" src="https://thediplomatinspain.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Con-Tailandia-ok.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="422" /> The Vietnamese ambassador, together with his Thai counterpart, Vosita Vorasaph.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_96353" align="alignnone" width="750"]<img class="size-full wp-image-96353" src="https://thediplomatinspain.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Desfile-moda-ok.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="429" /> Parade of models of Áo dài, the traditional costume of Vietnam.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_96355" align="alignnone" width="750"]<img class="size-full wp-image-96355" src="https://thediplomatinspain.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Exposicion-ok.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="429" /> Exhibition of Hispanic-Vietnamese artists called 'Friendship'.[/caption]
