Vietnam-Italy determined to bring strategic partnership to a new page

Both sides share the desire and determination to take the strategic partnership between the two countries to a new, stronger and more effective level.

President Vo Van Thuong and Italian President Sergio Mattarella listen to a presentation about the Vietnamese zither (dan bau) at a concert commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Italy. (Photo: Thong Nhat)

During his state visit to Italy, following the successful talks and meetings with high-ranking Italian leaders, on the evening of July 26th (local time) at the Presidential Palace in Rome, President Vo Van Thuong and his wife attended a state banquet hosted by the President and his daughter.

Shortly afterwards, the two leaders attended a concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Speaking at the state banquet, President Sergio Mattarella stated that, after five decades of positive development in Vietnam-Italy relations, both sides need to strive to further deepen and diversify bilateral relations in the future.

Recalling the occasion 10 years ago, during the State visit of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, to Italy, the two countries agreed to establish a Strategic Partnership. President Sergio Mattarella affirmed that this is an important political framework that has helped Vietnam-Italy relations achieve many successes as they have today.

Emphasizing that the relationship between the two countries is an expression of solidarity and genuine affection; a legacy of both nations, President Sergio Mattarella stated that the bond between the two countries has continuously developed in diverse and effective ways, even during the most difficult times, and has become a vivid manifestation of friendship between the two countries and two peoples. A specific example is the mutual support between the two nations during the pandemic through the donation of medical masks and COVID-19 vaccines.

Delegates attending the concert. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

The President of the Republic of Italy stated that, in international activities, both Vietnam and Italy uphold the values ​​of peace and multilateralism, essential values ​​for facing major challenges in the present and future, from the fight against poverty and food insecurity to migration, from the fight against international crime to climate change. Italy acknowledges and highly appreciates the effectiveness of Vietnam's international activities, especially its contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

The President affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner for the balance and progress of the Indo-Pacific, a region that Italy is increasingly focusing on, consistently within the European Union's strategy. A prime example of this is the recent visit to Ho Chi Minh City by the Italian Navy patrol vessel "Francesco Morosini," carrying out Italy's commitment to freedom of navigation in the region.

In his response, President Vo Van Thuong stated: The Vietnamese people will forever remember the invaluable support of the Italian people for the resistance struggle for independence, freedom, and national reunification. One of the symbols of that support is the friendship ship Australe, which transported essential supplies from the Italian people to help the Vietnamese people in late 1973, commanded by Captain Luciano Sossai, departing from the port city of Genoa.

President Vo Van Thuong and his wife, along with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter, pose for a photo with the performing artists at the concert. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

“As Vietnam entered the post-war period of national reconstruction, Italy continued to support Vietnam through development assistance projects, helping Vietnam achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Most recently, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, Italy provided Vietnam with nearly 3 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine; Vietnam provided Italy with medical masks. The two countries shared difficulties and overcame the pandemic together,” the President expressed.

Over the past half-century, built on a solid foundation of friendship, Italy and Vietnam have increasingly become important partners in all fields, from politics and diplomacy, trade and investment to culture, tourism, education and training… cooperating closely both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Ten years ago, Vietnam and Italy established a Strategic Partnership, opening an important chapter in the relationship between the two countries and promoting comprehensive, effective, and sustainable cooperation between Vietnam and Italy.

"Today, in a constantly changing world, with many intertwined opportunities and challenges, the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Italy is continuously expanding, moving towards the common values ​​and concerns of the international community," President Vo Van Thuong affirmed.

Referring to the discussions with the President and senior leaders of Italy during this visit, the President stated that both sides share the desire and determination to take the Strategic Partnership to a new, stronger, and more effective level, contributing to common goals of sustainable development and addressing global issues on a balanced and mutually beneficial basis, exploiting the advantages and potential of each country, for the benefit of the people of both countries, and for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Here are some pictures of the artists performing at the concert.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/chu-tich-nuoc-vo-van-thuong-viet-nam-italy-quyet-tam-dua-quan-he-doi-tac-chien-luoc-sang-mot-trang-moi-236293.html