Vietnam-Spain relations have expanded strongly in all spheres over the years, thanks to the contribution of friendship organizations and the mutual affection of the people of the two countries.

Delegates at the congress. Photo: Lien Ha

Deputy Ambassador of Spain to Vietnam Elena Perez Villanueva del Caz gave the remarks at the fourth congress of Hanoi’s Vietnam-Spain Friendship Organization for the 2022-2027 term today [May 6].

Elena expressed her delight at the timing of the congress which coincided with the 45^th anniversary of bilateral relations and the 25^th anniversary of the establishment of the Spanish Embassy in Vietnam.

The Deputy Ambassador added she and the Spanish staff at the Embassy have always held warmth feeling towards Vietnam and its people in general, and  Hanoi in particular.

At the congress, the Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Hanoi chapter Nguyen Lan Huong highlighted the achievements of Hanoi’s Vietnam-Spain Friendship Organization in the past term, especially in organizing the business matching events between Vietnamese and Spanish enterprises to strengthen economic cooperation.

In addition, a series of activities under the “Vietnamese days in Spain” was held on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations, including a photography exhibition themed “Vietnam: Country - People”.

Hanoi’s Vietnam-Span Friendship Organization had timely sent 500 medical personal protective equipment to the Spaniards affected by the pandemic, along with contribution to the city’s Covid-19 vaccine funds and other social activities.

“The organization has contributed actively to the success of the city’s people-to-people diplomacy in the 2017-2022 period,” she noted.

Huong called for the organization to continue its strong progress and cooperate with the Spanish Embassy in holding events to celebrate the 45^th anniversary of bilateral relations.

For the 2022-2027 term, Hanoi’s Vietnam-Spain Friendship Organization is expected to focus on priority fields of cooperation between the two countries, including the attraction of the youth to the Spanish language and promoting partnership between Vietnamese and Spanish businesses.

The organization would also bolster cooperation with the Spanish Embassy in Vietnam and the Spanish community in Hanoi in holding cultural and economic activities ahead of the upcoming anniversary, including a concert of Spanish music in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; the establishment of Vietnam’s student association in  Madrid; and student exchange activities between the two countries to boost understandings of culture and history of Vietnam and Spain.