Ambassador Carmen Cano De Lasala: Opening a new chapter in Vietnam

At the invitation of Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh , Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain Pedro Sánchez paid an official visit to Vietnam from April 8-10, 2025.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

On this occasion, Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano De Lasala gave an interview to the press about the contents related to the visit and cooperation between the two countries.

Could the Ambassador share the significance and main focus of the official visit to Vietnam by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez?

This is the first visit by a Spanish Prime Minister to Vietnam. In 2027, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Through this visit, we wish to demonstrate the political will to exploit the full potential of our bilateral relations. Spain and Vietnam are close partners with complementary economies. Both countries are showing strong growth in an uncertain international context.

The visit of the Spanish Prime Minister will contribute to consolidating and strengthening the relationship between the two countries. We believe that there will soon be a high-level reciprocal visit from Vietnam to Spain.

What are the main priorities that Spain wants to promote within the framework of the bilateral Strategic Partnership, Ambassador?

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. This clearly demonstrates the desire to work closely together to exploit the full untapped potential of our bilateral relationship.

During our Prime Minister’s visit, agreements will be signed in areas such as investment, agriculture, political consultations, culture and sports, as well as cooperation between diplomatic academies of the two countries. We are committed to working to bring bilateral relations to a new level.

The visit is also a unique opportunity to discuss the contributions that Spanish companies - global leaders in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy and circular economy - can make to Vietnam's economic development.

According to the Ambassador, how can Vietnam and Spain cooperate to respond to challenges in the current complex geopolitical context, while seizing new development opportunities?

The visit takes place in a complex geostrategic context, marked by increasing uncertainties and volatility. In this context, reliable partners are more important than ever. Spain and Vietnam both understand the value of peace and freedom, and therefore share a commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order.

We look forward to working closely together to promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. In June, Spain will host the United Nations conference on financing for development, which will be an important opportunity for both countries to exchange views and coordinate global initiatives.

Based on the achievements made in recent times, according to the Ambassador, what are the prospects for developing relations between the two countries in the coming time?

We believe that this visit will open a new chapter in bilateral relations between our two countries. Over the years, we have established strong diplomatic relations along with positive figures in trade and investment.

I would also like to highlight the growing people-to-people exchanges between our two countries. Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Spanish tourists, who feel welcome and comfortable with Vietnamese culture. At the same time, in Vietnam, the demand for learning Spanish is growing – not only because it is the second language in the world in terms of the number of native speakers, but also because it opens the door to a market of 500 million people.

Thank you very much Ambassador!

Source: http://www.baohoabinh.com.vn/11/199986/Dai-su-Carmen-Cano-De-Lasala-Mo-ra-chuong-moi-tr111ng-quan-he-s111ng-phuong-Viet-Nam-Tay-Ban-Nha.htm