President Truong Tan Sang has told Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo that Vietnam treasures its ties with Spain and wishes to boost bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Meeting the diplomat in Hanoi on March 27, he lauded Spain’s approval of a free trade agreement with Vietnam , adding that Vietnam hopes for Spain’s closer coordination during negotiations for a similar deal with the European Union.

As an active and responsible member of ASEAN, Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge for Spain to strengthen relations with other members of the grouping, President Sang said.

Holding that the bilateral cooperation outcomes have yet to match the potential of both sides, he also suggested that Vietnam and Spain deploy specific action programmes to further beef up their partnership in the future, especially in trade and investment.

Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said top Spanish firms travelling with him are seeking investment opportunities in Vietnam.

Sharing President Sang’s opinion that there is room for both sides to foster all-round cooperation, he said he believes that in the future, more businesses from Spain will enjoy effective investment in Vietnam.

He affirmed that his country supports Vietnam’s desire to strengthen relations with the EU.

The official said the two countries should enhance political dialogues by increasing high-level meetings, while continuing their close affiliation in regional and international forums, especially in the framework of the United Nations, ASEAN-EU relations, and the Asia-Europe Meeting.-VNA