State leader hosts new foreign diplomats

Receiving Spanish Ambassador Jesus Figo Lopez Palop, President Quang stated that his nation desires to reinforce the friendship and all-around cooperation with Spain – an important member of the European Union.

He expressed his delight at positive growth in bilateral trade ties, at an annual average 15% during 2010-15. However, Spainish investment into Vietnam remains modest at US$88.55 million in 60 projects, which is still from matching potential and strength of the EU’s fourth biggest economy.

President Quang suggested more meetings and visits at all levels, while calling for the early building of an action programme as a framework for further boosting bilateral cooperation. 

He underlined the need to bolster economic cooperation in the fields of Spain’s strengths and Vietnam’s priority such as renewable energy, infrastructure cooperation, tourism, and hi-tech agriculture.

He asked both sides to continue working hand in hand to launch more activities celebrating the 40th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties this year.

President Quang said he hopes the two sides will soon implement their strategic partnership, including the economic, trade and investment agreement signed in May this year, thus providing a firm foundation for the development of bilateral trade ties.

The two countries need to coordinate closely at international forums, especially the UN, ASEM, and ASEAN-EU partnership, he said, asking for Spain’s support for Vietnam’s run for the position of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, and Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau’s candidacy as UNESCO General Director for the 2017-2021 tenure.

He told his guest that the State, Government and ministries of Vietnam will offer the best possible conditions for the diplomat to fulfill his tasks.

Ambassador Palop, in turn expressed her belief that the strategic partnership between Spain and Vietnam will continue to prosper in the coming time.

She emphasized the significance of regular exchange of high-ranking delegations between the two countries, while underlining the cooperation prospect in economy, trade and energy.

She said she belief that Vietnam will succeed in its run for a seat at the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 period and Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau’s candidacy for the post of UNESCO General Director.

At a meeting with Yemen Ambassador Adel Mohamed Ali Ba Hamid, President Tran Dai Quang affirmed Vietnam's readiness to create optimal conditions for the diplomat to fulfill his tasks.

Vietnam will always bear in mind the whole-hearted support of Yemen during its struggle for national independence and reunification, he stated, highlighting that Vietnam always treasures the all-round ties with Yemen and keen on further strengthening the ties in the future.

Quang said he hopes Yemen will soon stabilise its internal situation through dialogues. Vietnam hopes for a Yemen of peace, with its people enjoying a stable, prosperous life, he added.

Ambassador Adel Mohamed Ali Ba Hamid briefed his host on the domestic situation of Yemen and current difficulties facing the country, noting that his nation aspires to augment bilateral relations, especially in economics and trade with Vietnam.