LookAtVietnam – President Nguyen Minh Triet and his wife began an official State visit to Spain yesterday, December 14, at the invitation of King Juan Carlos.

King Juan Carlos welcomes President Nguyen Minh Triet at the El Pardo Palace, Spain.

The host said he believed that with desire and determination, friendly relations and co-operation between Viet Nam and Spain would develop in a variety of aspects in the time to come.

In reply, President Triet applauded Spain’s role in the European Union and the international realm, especially for its efforts in solving international issues to overcome impacts from the financial crisis, and coping with climate change, poverty and epidemic diseases.

Triet also thanked Spain for the support it provided to the Vietnamese people in the aftermath of typhoons Ketsana and Mirinae.

He said he was delighted to see the friendly relations and co-operation between Viet Nam and Spain enjoying gigantic development steps, particularly in terms of trade, since the King and the Queen paid an official visit to Viet Nam in 2006.

The two sides have paid due attention to speeding up co-operation in education and training, and culture through Spanish-language teaching in Viet Nam and art performance exchanges.

Triet told his host that Spain’s development co-operation fund had contributed to improving living conditions among the Vietnamese people. He also applauded the Spanish Government for renewing support to Viet Nam from 2009 to 2012.

The President also met Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardon at a separate meeting yesterday.

The mayor presented Triet with the city’s golden key, making him an honorary citizen of the city.

At the ceremony, Triet said Madrid’s golden key was a symbol of friendship, will and determination by Viet Nam and Spain to reach the goals of strengthening solidarity, friendship and co-operation.

The President congratulated the city on its great development achievements in recent times. He said he believed the city would enjoy long-term prosperity.

General Auditor of Viet Nam Vuong Dinh Hue city took the chance to hold talks with President of the Spanish Court of Audit Manuel Nunez Perez. The two sides shared auditing achievements and experiences, aiming to strengthen and expand co-operation in the area.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News