Vietnam-Italy Strategic Partnership
From July 26th to 27th, 2023, the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vo Van Thuong, made an official visit to Italy at the invitation of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
This meeting represents the first official event between the Heads of State of the two countries in seven years. During the visit, the two sides discussed and strengthened the bonds of political trust and strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Italy. This visit holds greater significance as it took place during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1973-2023) and the tenth anniversary of their Strategic Partnership.
Both parties expressed appreciation for the positive outcomes achieved in their relationship over the past 50 years, especially since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2013, which has promoted bilateral cooperation and diplomatic exchanges at all levels. The two countries have become significant mutual partners in various fields, including the economy, defense and security, education and training, science and technology, culture, tourism, and more.
During the discussions, the two parties also examined the future of their mutual relationship and other regional and international issues of common interest.
Regarding political, diplomatic, defense, and security cooperation, the two parties agreed to strengthen cooperation between their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs and to maintain ministerial-level Political Consultations between Vice Ministers of Foreign Affairs. They also emphasized the importance of cooperation in defense and security, agreeing on the possibility of Italian Navy visits to Vietnam and exploring the potential for specialized exercises in peacekeeping, maritime, and land security under the United Nations.
In terms of economic, trade, and investment cooperation, both parties praised the achievements and committed to fully and effectively implementing the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and enhancing mutual market access by removing unnecessary and unjustified trade barriers. Vietnam welcomed the Italian Parliament's ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which will create favorable conditions for investors from both sides based on principles of equality and mutual benefit. They also discussed opportunities for cooperation in various sectors such as infrastructure development, digital economy, advanced technology, renewable energy, creative industries, and smart agriculture.
Regarding the response to climate change, the two parties welcomed Vietnam's substantial commitments at COP26 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and reaffirmed their cooperation in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Both parties also explored the possibility of expanding cooperation in scientific and technological fields, education and training, and encouraged cultural and artistic exchanges.
Finally, the two parties committed to intensifying exchanges of views and collaboration in international and regional forums, including ASEAN and the European Union, and expressed shared opinions on international issues of mutual interest, such as the situation in Ukraine and peace and stability in the South China Sea. During the visit, several agreements and cooperation programs were signed between the two countries.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Italy