King of Spain Felipe VI has described Vietnam as one of the important and prioritising partners of his country in the Asian-Pacific and Southeast Asian regions.

He made the remark at a meeting with newly-credited Vietnamese Ambassador to Spain Ngo Tien Dung in Madrid on January 19.

The King highly valued Vietnam’s remarkable socio-economic accomplishments gained over the past 30 years of “Doi Moi” (renewal) process.

He noted that many Spanish companies are interested in expanding business and investment cooperation in Vietnam, while numerous tourists want to visit the Southeast Asian country.

He urged the two sides to seek new mechanism to enhance bilateral multi-faceted collaboration, especially in economics and trade, for mutual benefits.

The king expressed his wish to visit Vietnam – a hospitable country that left a lot of impressions on his father King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sophia.

He believed that with the support of the Spanish Royal Family and Government, Ambassador Ngo Tien Dung, during his tenure, will make significant contributions to developing the two countries’ strategic partnership.

Dung said he was honoured to be the Vietnamese Ambassador in Spain, especially when the two nations are celebrating the 40th founding anniversary of the diplomatic ties (May 23, 1977).

He congratulated Spain on escaping from economic crisis and maintaining high growth.

The diplomat affirmed that the Vietnamese State, Government and people attach great importance to relations with Spain and promised to do his utmost to enhance the bilateral strategic partnership and cement the friendship between the two peoples.