Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Juan Antonio Yañez Barnuevo conducted a political consultation at the deputy foreign ministerial level in Hanoi on Nov. 17.

At the event, the two sides discussed major orientations and practical measures to boost future cooperation.

Vietnam expressed belief that Spain will overcome its public debt crisis and continue its development.

The two sides expressed delight at the fine development of recent friendly cooperation under the spirit of the future-oriented strategic partnership that was approved during President Nguyen Minh Triet’s visit to Spain in December, 2009. They agreed to enhance the exchange of delegations at all levels and branches.

Spain affirmed its support to Vietnam’s enhancement of multifaceted cooperation with the European Union (EU) and Latin American countries and reaffirmed its backing for Vietnam’s candidacy to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2013-2016 term.

Vietnam highlighted Spain’s increasing role and position in the EU and the world and both countries agreed to jointly coordinate and support each other at multilateral and international forums.

The two sides pledged to facilitate bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation and speed up Spanish ODA projects in Vietnam, including the No. 5 metro project in Ho Chi Minh City.

Both sides reached consensus to organise activities in 2012 to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

They exchanged views on international and regional issues, including world financial and economic crises, public debt in the EU and ASEAN-EU cooperation.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Juan Antonio Yañez Barnuevo./.