Mr Triet and his wife were welcomed at Madrid International airport in the presence of the Spanish Government’s representatives, the Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam, Fernando Curcio, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Spain, Do Ngoc Son and the Vietnamese Embassy’s staff.

Immediately after his arrival in Madrid, State President Triet visited the Vietnamese Embassy.

This is the first State- level visit by a Vietnamese top leader to Spain since the two countries established their diplomatic ties in 1977. The visit is in return for the visit to Vietnam by King Joan Carlos and Queen Sofia in February 2006.

 Relations between Vietnam and Spain have flourished in recent times. Two-way trade turnover has seen an annual average increase of 25-30 percent over the past five years, hitting nearly US$1.2 billion last year.

Vietnam is listed among Spain’s priority aid recipients in the 2008-2012 period with a committed preferential loan of 65 million Euros in the 2008-2010 period.

Bilateral cooperation in culture and education has been strengthened through cultural events held in both countries.

Mr Triet’s visit aims to further promote the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Spain in economics, trade and investment.

As scheduled, an official welcome ceremony for Mr Triet and his wife will be held on the late afternoon (Hanoi time) of December 14.