Vietnam and Spain Forge Deeper Strategic Ties During Historic Visit

In a landmark moment for bilateral relations, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính hosted his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sánchez, in Hanoi on April 9, 2025, marking the first visit by a Spanish government leader since diplomatic ties were established between the two nations. The three-day official visit culminated in agreements to elevate the Vietnam-Spain Strategic Partnership, with both leaders pledging to deepen cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres.

The talks, held in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, underscored Vietnam’s growing role as a key partner for Spain in Southeast Asia, while highlighting Spain’s position as Vietnam’s first strategic partner in the European Union (EU). With shared goals of sustainable development and global stability, the two countries set an ambitious agenda to strengthen ties in trade, investment, technology, and security.

A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister Chính emphasized the historic nature of Sánchez’s visit, describing it as a turning point that “opens up a new chapter” in Vietnam-Spain relations. He expressed optimism about elevating the strategic partnership to “new heights,” citing similarities in geostrategic importance, rich cultural histories, and hospitable populations as foundations for broader collaboration.

For Vietnam, Spain represents not only a gateway to the EU but also a partner with significant achievements in socio-economic development and a proactive stance on global challenges. Chính highlighted the potential for cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and defense, alongside traditional pillars like trade and diplomacy.

Sánchez echoed this sentiment, noting the “untapped potential” for collaboration and affirming Vietnam as one of Spain’s top priority partners within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He praised Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and its push for digital transformation, signaling Spain’s eagerness to engage in high-level exchanges and establish a comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future.

Economic Cooperation as a Cornerstone

Central to the discussions was the role of economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a bedrock of the strategic partnership. Both leaders committed to fully implementing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which has already boosted bilateral trade, and a newly signed financial cooperation protocol. They also agreed to convene the inaugural session of a joint economic, trade, and investment committee later in 2025, aiming to surpass a bilateral trade target of US$8 billion.

Sánchez pledged to advocate for the swift ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by remaining EU member states, a move that could further enhance investor confidence. Additionally, he urged the European Commission to lift its “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing concerns, a barrier that has affected Vietnam’s access to EU markets.

In return, Sánchez called for Vietnam to streamline non-tariff administrative procedures and open its markets to Spanish agricultural and poultry products, aiming for more balanced trade growth. Spanish businesses, he noted, are increasingly interested in Vietnam’s potential, particularly in sectors like railway and urban metro systems, energy, and aviation.

Prime Minister Chính outlined Vietnam’s economic restructuring efforts, emphasizing a shift toward a green and sustainable model. He detailed government initiatives to diversify markets, products, and supply chains while maintaining a stable and transparent investment environment. “Vietnam is committed to being calm, resilient, flexible, and creative,” Chính stated, adding that the country prioritizes dialogue over confrontation to navigate global uncertainties.

These policies, supported by financial and fiscal measures, aim to reduce input costs and improve the competitiveness of domestic businesses. For foreign investors, including Spanish firms, Vietnam offers seamless infrastructure and smart governance as incentives for long-term engagement.

Broadening the Scope of Partnership

Beyond economics, the leaders explored cooperation in emerging fields such as science, technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and digital transformation—areas where Vietnam has made significant strides in recent years. They also agreed to enhance collaboration in education, culture, sports, and tourism, with Chính proposing a direct flight route between the two countries to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

Defense and security emerged as critical areas of focus, with commitments to joint efforts in the defense industry, counter-terrorism, transnational crime prevention, and UN peacekeeping missions. Vietnam also sought Spain’s support in addressing war legacies, a poignant reminder of the country’s historical challenges.

On the cultural front, Sánchez commended the Vietnamese community in Spain for their contributions to the local economy and society, pledging continued support for their integration. Both sides welcomed progress in bilateral cooperation on child adoption, a sensitive but significant aspect of their relationship.

Global and Regional Priorities

The talks extended to global and regional issues, with both leaders affirming their commitment to multilateralism and international law. They agreed to coordinate closely at international forums, including the United Nations and the ASEAN-EU framework, to address shared challenges. Sánchez praised Vietnam’s proactive role in promoting peace, cooperation, and sustainable development, confirming Spain’s participation in the Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit hosted by Vietnam in April 2025.

Chính positioned Vietnam as a bridge for fostering ASEAN-Spain cooperation, while expressing hope that Spain could facilitate stronger ties between Vietnam, the EU, and Latin American countries. This vision aligns with Vietnam’s broader foreign policy of expanding its global footprint while maintaining regional stability.

On the contentious issue of the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), both leaders underscored its importance for international maritime traffic. They supported Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s stance on resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to ensure security, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

Looking Ahead to Future Engagements

The visit concluded with an invitation from Sánchez for Chính to visit Spain, an opportunity to further solidify the strategic partnership. Chính accepted, with both foreign ministries tasked to arrange the visit at a mutually convenient time. This exchange signals a commitment to sustained high-level dialogue, a cornerstone of the evolving relationship.

Spanish interest in Vietnam extends beyond government channels, with growing numbers of Spanish tourists and businesses exploring opportunities in the Southeast Asian nation. Vietnam’s visa exemption extension for Spanish citizens, as acknowledged by Sánchez, is expected to further boost tourism and cultural exchanges.

As Vietnam and Spain chart a path toward a comprehensive strategic partnership, their collaboration could serve as a model for EU-ASEAN relations. With shared priorities in sustainable development, economic growth, and global stability, the outcomes of this historic visit may resonate far beyond Hanoi and Madrid, shaping regional dynamics for years to come.

As both nations build on this momentum, questions remain about how quickly their ambitious goals—particularly in trade and technology—can be realized amidst global economic uncertainties and regional complexities.