IRIA News

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez embarked on his inaugural official visit to Vietnam on April 8, 2025, aiming to bolster economic and defense collaborations between the two nations. This visit comes at a pivotal moment as both countries grapple with substantial tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.

Upon his arrival in Hanoi, Prime Minister Sanchez was warmly received by his Vietnamese counterpart, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The following morning, an official red-carpet ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace, symbolizing the importance of this burgeoning partnership for both nations.

During their discussions, Prime Minister Chinh expressed Vietnam’s aspiration to elevate its relationship with Spain to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He emphasized, “Regarding the current global situation, the more difficult and challenging it is, the more we need to cooperate and underline the multilateralism.”

Echoing this sentiment, Prime Minister Sanchez highlighted Spain’s commitment to economic openness and its opposition to trade conflicts. “Spain supports a rules-based international order, free trade, and economic openness, and believes that trade wars benefit no one but harm”, he stated.

Economic implications of US tariffs

The backdrop to these discussions is the recent imposition of hefty tariffs by the U.S. administration. Vietnamese exports to the U.S. are now subjected to a 46% tariff, while products from the European Union, including Spain, face a 25% duty. These measures have prompted both nations to seek avenues to mitigate the economic impact and reinforce their trade relations.

A focal point of the bilateral talks was infrastructure development, particularly in the realm of railway systems. Vietnam has unveiled ambitious plans to rejuvenate its aging railway infrastructure, including a proposed 1,541-kilometer high-speed rail line connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as links extending to China.

Prime Minister Sanchez conveyed Spain’s interest in contributing to these projects, leveraging its expertise from developing an extensive high-speed rail network. This collaboration is anticipated to not only enhance Vietnam’s transportation landscape but also provide opportunities for Spanish enterprises to participate in significant infrastructural endeavors.

Mutual agreements

The visit was marked by the signing of several key agreements aimed at institutionalizing and expanding cooperation across a broad range of sectors. A memorandum of understanding on political consultation was established between the foreign ministries of Vietnam and Spain, which will facilitate regular dialogues on both bilateral and international issues.

In the field of diplomatic training, an agreement was signed between the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Diplomatic School of Spain to promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in modern diplomacy.

Cultural and sports collaboration also featured prominently, with both countries committing to strengthening cultural ties and enhancing people-to-people connections through sports and cultural exchange programs.

In the agricultural sector, a comprehensive accord was signed focusing on food safety, veterinary medicine, plant protection, and fisheries. This is expected to foster deeper collaboration and raise agricultural standards through shared expertise and technology.

Additionally, a framework protocol for financial cooperation was agreed upon to support investments in key sectors of mutual interest, particularly infrastructure, renewable energy, and environmental projects, paving the way for enhanced economic engagement between the two countries.

Strategic defense and security engagements

Beyond economic and cultural collaborations, defense and security emerged as pivotal areas of mutual interest. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of strengthening ties in these domains, with discussions encompassing potential partnerships in defense industries, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism efforts. Such collaborations are envisioned to contribute to regional stability and address shared security challenges.

Shared commitment to multilateralism

Considering escalating global trade tensions, both Prime Ministers underscored their dedication to multilateralism and a rules-based international order. They articulated concerns over the detrimental effects of protectionist policies and reaffirmed their support for free and fair trade practices.

Prime Minister Sanchez’s visit to Vietnam not only signifies a deepening of bilateral relations but also reflects a strategic alignment in navigating the complexities of the current global economic landscape. As both nations face external economic pressures, their concerted efforts to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors highlight a shared vision for resilience and prosperity.

This landmark visit sets the stage for a more integrated and collaborative future between Vietnam and Spain, fostering partnerships that extend beyond economic interests to encompass cultural, educational, and security dimensions.