Joint Statement on Formation of Vietnam - Italy Strategic Partnership

On the basis of the sound friendship and remarkable development of bilateral relations between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Italian Republic; with the will to further intensify cooperation in the existing areas and expand it to new fields; given the crucial symbolic significance of the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2013; during the State visit to Italy by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, on January 20 - 22, 2013, the two sides agree to elevate their bilateral relations by establishing a strategic partnership based on this joint statement.

 

The two sides agree to promote bilateral relations within the overall framework of the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the EU, on the basis of the Vietnam - EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) officially signed on June 27, 2012. The strategic partnership will create the framework for the development of comprehensive and long-lasting bilateral relations, particularly a broadened and deepened cooperation in the following key areas:

 

The two sides agree to continue increasing the exchange of high-level delegations, including both official two-way visits as well as contacts on the sidelines of international and regional forums.

 

The two sides recognise the importance of the existing relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) with Italian political parties and CPV agencies with Italian political and governmental agencies, research academies, and policymakers.

 

The two sides welcome the strengthening of cooperation between the two Parliaments, including mutual visits and exchanges in multilateral forums. Such cooperation may envisage in particular capacity building initiatives on law-making process.

 

The two sides agree to promote cooperation between regions and localities of the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy, trade and investment, education and training, culture and tourism.

 

The two sides highly value the outcomes of political consultation regime at a Deputy Foreign Minister level in the framework of cooperation agreement between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs and agree to establish a Strategic Dialogue Mechanism co-chaired by the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Vietnam and Italy. The strategic dialogue is expected to be held annually on rotational basis in Hanoi and Rome to discuss bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern, with the participation, whereas requested, of representatives of other Ministries and agencies.

 

The two sides are committed in accelerating standpoint sharing, cooperation and mutual support at international and regional forums, especially at important forums like the United Nations (UN), WTO, ASEM, ASEAN, EU, and on international issues of mutual concern such as the UN reform, sustainable development, environment and climate change, energy security, food security, water resources management, epidemics control, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, fight against organised crime, terrorism and piracy, peaceful settlement of international disputes.

 

The two sides strongly support the promotion of relations and cooperation between ASEAN and EU in politics and security and socioeconomic development. Italy supports ASEAN’s roadmap for the establishment of the ASEAN Community, which aims at enhancing the active role of ASEAN in the maintenance of stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Vietnam pledges to support Italy to enhance its role and promote its relations with ASEAN and other regional forums in Southeast Asia.

 

Italy will continue assisting Vietnam to enhance economic and trade relations with the EU and will support it to complete the institution of market economy, in view of the EU’s recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status. The two sides express their support for a swift conclusion of the negotiations for a balanced and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EU.

 

Vietnam and Italy realise the vast potentials for expanding bilateral economic relations, including trade and investment, and agree to promote these relations on the basis of long-lasting stability and mutual benefits. Italy is prepared to contribute to the economic development of Vietnam through: Sharing technologies and experiences of Italian enterprises operating in the fields of infrastructure (roads, railways, urban transportation, ports and airports), mechanical engineering industry (particularly textile and garment, leather and footwear, wooden furniture, food processing and preservation); Promoting economic cooperation, also through specific public private partnerships (PPP) and initiatives, in such areas as infrastructure, energy, metallurgy, telecommunications, tourism, environment, healthcare, and fashion.

 

Vietnam welcomes and facilitates Italy’s investment projects in oil and gas production.

 

The two sides encourage bilateral trade and investment exchanges. Italy and Vietnam agree to increase opportunities for contacts between small and medium enterprises and between respective business confederations, particularly with regard to textile and garment, footwear, wooden furniture and agricultural products. At the same time, Vietnam welcomes Italian consumer goods producers to open flagship offices in Vietnam. Italy confirms its availability to support Italian companies willing to invest and do business in Vietnam.

 

Supporting businesses of the two countries to increase connectivity and establish partnerships will enable Italian small and medium-sized enterprises to share specific technology and experience in high-quality production with Vietnamese partners, thus contributing to the consolidation of Vietnam’s production industry and enlivening the prospect to reach out to ASEAN and East Asian markets.

 

To facilitate the activities of the two sides’ businesses in each country, as well as to monitor and promote bilateral trade and investment, the two sides agree to establish a Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Economic Development of Italy and convened yearly on rotational basis.

 

The two sides continue to attach importance to development cooperation, based on the bilateral agreement concluded in 2009. They agree to conclude a new protocol for development cooperation for the 2013-2015 period through non-refundable grants and concessional credits in order to support the improvement of Vietnam’s economic and social infrastructures, focusing on water and environment management, healthcare, human resources development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

The two sides will consider gradual shifting from traditional cooperation areas towards new aspects, such as climate change response, scientific training and research and green/clean energy.

 

The two sides will exchange specific contractual arrangements in the framework of the new Development Cooperation Protocol for 2013-2015 with respective internal procedures of each country and be part of ad hoc agreements, particularly when they entail financial costs.

 

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations establishment between Italy and Vietnam, the two sides agree to hold commemorative activities within the framework of the “Vietnam Year in Italy” and the “Italy Year in Vietnam” in 2013 and pledge to encourage suitable initiatives to be implemented in each country. The two sides attach importance to 40 years friendship between the people of Italy and Vietnam and agree to create favourable conditions for the organisation of exchanges and promotion activities in order to deepen mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.

 

The two sides encourage cooperation in the areas of culture, arts, sports, tourism, information and communication in each country, including exhibitions, cultural and arts performances, tourism fairs and sports exchanges.

 

The two sides are aware of the importance of “Casa Italy” (Italy House) in Hanoi, given its significance in promoting Italian culture and language as well as “Made in Italy” products in Vietnam.

 

The two sides agree to examine relevant proposals by the Government of Vietnam in order to establish the Vietnam - Italy Centre of Excellence for Training and Research (CEFIVI) located in Vietnam, aiming to make a hub for key training and scientific research cooperation projects between the two countries, with the support and assistance of the Governments and relevant agencies/organisations of the two countries and through Italian funding subject.

 

The two sides welcome the signing of the Education Cooperation Programme for the 2013 - 2016 period and the early signing of the Cultural Cooperation Programme for the 2013 - 2016 period between Vietnam and Italy.

 

On the basis of the sound cooperation in the sector of defence, the two sides affirm the aspiration to further enhance cooperation in this area, as mentioned in the memorandum of understanding between the two Ministries of Defence signed on November 24, 2000, agreeing to expand and update cooperation contents by signing a new memorandum of understanding on cooperation in defence. The signing of the latter will consolidate and further improve the legal framework for the promotion of bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest. Also, through the memorandum of understanding, the two sides agree to promote the establishment of the Vietnam and Italy Defence and Security Dialogue Mechanism at appropriate level.

 

The two sides agree to further deepen mutual understanding and expand cooperation in the defence and security area. They should enhance exchange, discussion and sharing of information between delegations at various levels and between the strategic defence research agencies of the two countries. They also commit to cooperate in defence industry.

 

On the basis of this joint statement, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries will develop a two-year joint action plan.

 

This joint statement can be revised on the basis of written consent. It will be effective from the date of its signature by the two sides and will be valid until it is annulled by one of the two sides through written notification with six months advance.