Celebrating a rich heritage

Spain's Ambassador to Viet Nam Fernando Curcio Ruigomez. — Photo courtesy Spanish Embassy.

(VNS) Spanish Ambassador to Viet Nam Fernando Curcio Ruigomez addresses the readers of Viet Nam News on the occasion of his country's National Day tomorrow

In recent times, it has also become popular for its success in multiple sports disciplines and as a paradise for the practice of mountain and aquatic sports, as well as being a top golf destination in Europe with more than 400 courses. Add to that the quality and variety of our cuisine and our delicious wines and it is easy to understand why we receive over 60 million visitors every year.

But Spain has also been a key part of Europe and of the European construction for centuries, as one of the first European states that emerged in the modern age. And, ever since, it has played a key role in the history of the Western world. Not in vain, today, October 12th, we celebrate our national holiday to commemorate an event that transformed history and is a huge Spanish feat: the meeting of two worlds, Europe and America, a continent previously unknown in the Old World.

For its political and economic weight and given its privileged geographical position, Spain has developed during that time very close links not only with Europe, but also with Mediterranean countries and needless to say, Latin America with whom we share family ties.

Shapely: Tourists walk through twisting rock pillars that seem to be growing out of the ground like tree trunks in Barcelona's Guell Park. The park was designed by Antoni Gaudi, the internationally famous architect whose works are closely associated with the city. — VNS Photo Vuong Bach Lien

As of late, there has been much talk about the difficult economic situation in Spain, which is understandable considering the size of our economy and the possible effects on other states, bigger and smaller, which are also experiencing serious difficulties in the context of the world financial crisis. At this point I think it is very important to make it clear that we count on a solid political leadership that has put in place, in coordination with the relevant EU institutions, a programme of deep economic reforms that has received ample recognition.

As important as that is, there is in my opinion, another crucial factor: over the last 30 years we, the Spaniards, have proven able to build a modern country and reach the status of an advanced economy. Unlike what happened in the old times, today we have a diversified economy, a skilled workforce and multinational companies operating throughout the world. Our businesses are world leaders in key sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure management, bio-technology and high-speed-train networks. Multiple successful projects and initiatives around the world support this assertion.

Spain, with its European partners is about to come out with the main political and economic pillars required to finalize the work started by the Maastricht Treaty, which gave birth to the monetary union and announced the remaining pillars, the fiscal and political union.

2012 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and Viet Nam. Since 1977 both countries have come a long way to become more fair, free and advanced nations. The strength and the desire of our two peoples to build their own future has enabled us to play a prominent role on the international stage, develop closer links and ultimately, the creation of a strategic partnership, with all its implications in the form of political, social, economic and cultural co-operation.

I am extremely pleased to see how that mutual interest goes far beyond the official channels. People in Viet Nam truly appreciate the things that we are proud of in Spain. They support our football teams, enjoy flamenco and wine and are eager to learn our language. Similarly, it is only fair to say that for the Spaniards Viet Nam exerts a great attraction, as it symbolizes the resilience and solidarity of a people in the search of liberty, the union of man with the land and respect for tradition combined with a dynamic and ever-changing society. All of that makes this country an ideal tourist destination.

On this happy occasion I sincerely hope relations between the two countries will keep on growing, in a way beneficial for us and for all the just causes which we can contribute to together. — VNS