‘El Vínculo’ perfect match for prestigious state affairs

The wine from the bodega of the same name was served with the luncheon held at Moncloa last Tuesday, in honour of the South Korean Head of State’s official visit

There were many issues to on the agenda for this State visit, from strictly bilateral affairs to questions of global importance, the most notable of which was the recent six-party agreement in reference to the North Korean nuclear programme. The Spanish Prime Minister Mr. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero congratulated the South Korean leader, Roh Moo-hyun, for the outcome of the long and complex negotiations.

The night before, during the evening meal given by the Royal Family, King Juan Carlos asked the South Korean president to open up their trade markets in order for both countries to overcome the trade deficit between them (more than €2,5 billion).

In the meeting held before lunch at Moncloa Palace, Rodríguez Zapatero and Moo-hyun, pledged to promote economic and investment exchanges between Spain and South Korea and to stimulate a trade balance currently favourable to the Asian country. According to Rodríguez Zapatero, “although bilateral trade has grown, the doors to Spanish products and services can be opened even more”. From his side, Moo-hyun stated that he is prepared to promote more trade transactions and also for Spain to use Seoul as a launch pad to open new trade markets in western Asia.

The Spanish delegation, headed by Rodríguez Zapatero, also included the deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Pedro Solbes; the Foreign Affairs and Co-operation Minister, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, and other high-ranking officials. On the South Korean side, as well as the President Roh Moo-hyun, were the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Trade, Industry and Energy Minister and the Information and Communications Minister. All were able to enjoy the excellent wine made by Alejandro Fernández in his La Mancha bodega. One of the Asian visitors, a wine lover and connoisseur, praised the quality of ‘El Vínculo’.

Up till now, excessive and complex red tape has stopped Spanish agrifood products from entering Korea. But soon it is hoped that after signing the agreements, among which are two of a commercial nature between the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX) and its Korean counterpart KOTRA, the procedures will become easier. More so if high level Spanish products such as ‘El Vínculo’ are the spearhead into this important Asian market.