The first strategic dialogue between Viet Nam and Italy took place in Ha Noi on July 22 as part of the two countries’ effort to realize the joint statement on establishment of the strategic partnership.
During the event, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and his Italian counterpart Bruno Archi briefed each other on the recent developments in respective countries.
Bruno spoke highly of Viet Nam’s achievements gained during the renewal process, affirming that Italy attaches importance to deepening multi-faceted cooperation with Viet Nam.
He said that Italian Government has selected Viet Nam as one of the ten priority partners for trade and investment.
Regarding bilateral ties, both sides expressed their pleasure at the fine development of the bilateral friendship and traditional cooperation in all aspects.
The two countries decided to set up strategic partnership during Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s State visit to Italy early this year. The visit is of significant importance as it was made on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
The two Deputy Foreign Ministers agreed on measures to boost the bilateral cooperation through exchange of delegations at all levels, facilitation of business contacts, cultural exchanges, enhancement of education among others.
They also agreed to work for early conclusion of the program of action for development cooperation in the 2013-2015, focusing on priority areas like environment, healthcare, education, assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Both sides were unanimously agreed to maintain the consultation mechanism between ministries and agencies of the two countries, establish a joint commission for economic cooperation.
They discussed the content of the Plan of action for realization of the Joint Declaration on the establishment of strategic partnership, which will be submitted to the Governments of the two countries soon for approval.
Bruno voiced support for Viet Nam to develop comprehensive relations with the European Union (EU), including accelerating the ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), EU’s recognition of Viet Nam’s market economy, and completion of the free trade agreement talks between Viet Nam and the EU.
The Italian side shares Viet Nam’s viewpoint on the East Sea issue to ensure peace, stability, maritime security and freedom, settlement of disputes through peaceful means, observation of international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and working towards the conclusion of the Code of Conduct (COC).
The same day, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Bruno Archi paid a courtesy calls to Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh./.