Vietnam - Italy: 40 Years of Deep Friendship

I found that the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Italy in the past 40 years have developed very well. Right from 1973 when Vietnam had not gained independence, the two countries had mutual support and assistance for the defence war. And, that was an important as a solid foundation for the later diplomatic relationship. Besides, the image of Vietnamese people in each Italian citizen is very fine. It is the picture of a country that escapes from the domination of a world superpower.

 

This diplomatic relationship has been further enriched at the back of Italian working visit by Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in January. As known, in the framework of the visit, the two countries signed a joint statement on establishment of strategic partnership relations between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Italy. Specifically, the two sides agreed to promote bilateral relations, placed in the overall Vietnam - EU comprehensive partnership, based on the Vietnam - EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), officially signed June 27, 2012. The strategic partnership will provide a framework to develop long-term comprehensive bilateral relations, especially extensive and deep cooperation in key areas.

 

In political - diplomatic cooperation, the two sides recognised the importance of strengthening relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam and Italian political parties, as well as between the Communist Party of Vietnam agencies with Italian governmental agencies, academic institutions and strategic policy makers. The two sides welcomed the increased parliamentary cooperation, including shuttle visits and cooperation in multilateral forums and collaborative project for institutional capacity building support and legislative experience sharing. The two parties also promote cooperation between regions and localities, especially in economics, trade, investment, education, training, culture and tourism.

 

On global and regional issues, the two sides pledged to step up sharing views, cooperation and mutual support in international and regional forums, especially important forums such as the United Nations, WTO, ASEM, ASEAN, EU and international issues of mutual interest such as UN reform, sustainable development, environment and climate change, energy security, food security, water resource management, disease prevention, implementation of Millennium Development Goals, disarmament and prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation, combat against organised crime, terrorism and piracy, and peaceful settlement of international disputes. The two sides strongly support the strengthening of ASEAN - EU relations and cooperation in security, politics and socioeconomic development. Italy supports the roadmap for ASEAN Community formation, thus strengthening ASEAN's active role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia - Pacific region. Vietnam pledges to support Italy’s strengthening role in promoting relations with ASEAN and other East Asia regional forums.

 

On the international level, Italy will continue to support Vietnam to strengthen economic and trade relations with the EU, to support Vietnam to perfect the market economy and to support the EU’s early recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status. The two sides support the early conclusion of Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations on the basis of justice and mutual benefit. In addition, the two countries recognised the enormous potential of expanding their bilateral economic cooperation, including trade and investment, and agreed to strengthen this relationship on the basis of long-term stability and mutual benefit. The Italian side is ready to contribute to Vietnam’s economic development by sharing technology and experience of Italian companies operating in infrastructure (road, railway, urban transportation, port and airport) and mechanical engineering (especially for textile, footwear, wood processing and food preservation); to promote specific cooperation projects, including public private partnership (PPP) model in infrastructure, energy, metallurgy, telecommunications, tourism, environment, health and fashion.

 

Particularly in the health sector, Italy also has a very developed public health system that ensures the best health care for all citizens irrespective of status. At present in Italy, even the homeless also access health care from medical organisations.

 

Besides, Italy can share its experience in building a stable, developed economy for Vietnam to avoid mistakes that Italy has made earlier.

 

To celebrate the 40^th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties, the two sides agreed to hold commemorative activities in the framework of "Vietnam Year in Italy" and “Italy Year in Vietnam" in 2013, and pledged to encourage appropriate initiatives to organise the events in each country. The two sides also attached importance to the friendly relationship that the two peoples have had for the past 40 years, agreed to create favourable conditions for organising exchange activities to boost mutual understanding of the two peoples. I also value the Casa Italia (House of Italy) project in Hanoi which serves as a centre to promote the popularity of Italian culture and language, as well as “Made in Italy” products in Vietnam. I believe that the Casa Italia project will be a useful forum to promote deeper understanding of Italian economy and culture for mutual benefit.

 

Also, Italy is very experienced in conserving cultural heritages and archaeological sites. Therefore, the two countries will have more favourable conditions for institutional and expert exchanges to preserve archaeological heritages for urbanisation development of Vietnam.

 

For PrC, we will endeavour to work harder and to contribute more for the friendly relations and good cooperation between the two parties, the two countries and the two peoples in the future.