Vietnam, Italy’s Lombardy region step up cooperative ties
Xuan suggested Lombardy establish partnerships with several Vietnamese localities and economic centres, and expressed her confidence that the new direct flight between Hanoi and Milan - the capital of Lombardy - will help strengthen cooperation between the two regions, cultures, and peoples.
State Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan at the meeting with President of the Lombardy Regional Government Attilio Fontana on July 1. (Photo: VNA)
Rome (VNA) – Vietnam has attached much importance to its Strategic Partnership with Italy and wants to deepen the bilateral relations in a substantive and effective manner across all areas, including cooperation between its localities and Lombardy region, State Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan has said.
At a meeting with President of the Lombardy Regional Government Attilio Fontana on July 1 as part of her working trip to the European country, Xuan highlighted the potential for enhancing collaboration in the domains of trade – investment and climate change response.
She suggested Lombardy establish partnerships with several Vietnamese localities and economic centres, and expressed her confidence that the new direct flight between Hanoi and Milan - the capital of Lombardy - will help strengthen cooperation between the two regions, cultures, and peoples.
Meanwhile, Fontana said that Xuan’s visit affirms Vietnam’s goodwill to promote the bilateral ties. Recalling memories from his visit to Vietnam in 2023, he praised the country’s reorganisation of administrative units and two-tier local administration model, describing these as crucial measures for the country's socio-economic development.
He believed that the Vietnam – Lombardy relations boast huge potential for further development, underscoring local enterprises’ keen interest in seeking investment opportunities in Vietnam. He also expressed his delight over the inauguration of the Hanoi – Milan direct flight during Xuan’s visit, which will facilitate trade and people exchanges between the two countries.
💎 At the event, Xuan also engaged with extensive discussions from both delegations regarding measures to advance the Vietnam-Italy relations and cooperation between Vietnamese localities and the Lombardy region. The conversations encompassed diverse sectors including trade-investment, energy transition, tourism, culture, international financial centre, education-training, science-technology, industry, digital transformation, and circular economy.
State Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan meets with the Vietnamese community and Italian friends. (Photo: VNA)
The same day, the Vietnamese leader had a meeting with the Vietnamese community and Italian friends on the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh, during which she highlighted their crucial role in fostering the friendship and promoting multifaceted cooperation between the two nations./.
The two sides committed to expanding cultural exchanges, tourism promotion, science and technology collaboration, education and training, and people-to-people diplomacy. They also voiced support for stronger Vietnam–EU ties within EVFTA and EU Indo-Pacific initiatives.
To elevate bilateral relations to new heights, Vietnam and Italy should strengthen exchanges at all levels, especially high level; identify key and prioritised contents to boost economic, trade, and investment ties; enhance defence and security cooperation; boost cultural, educational and tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges; and develop local-level partnerships.
VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh said that Vietnam identifies Italy as one of the key markets in Europe. Italian tourists are famous for their refined aesthetic taste, deep understanding of culture, art and history and for their passion for discovering original values and sophistication in experiences.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço met with the press right after concluding their talks and witnessing the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the two countries in Luanda on August 7.
State President Luong Cuong stressed the fraternal ties between Vietnam and Angola as a shared invaluable asset. It serves as a solid foundation for both countries to enter a new phase of development, further foster political trust and mutual support between the two Parties and States, and deepen the solidarity and mutual understanding between their people.
At the dialogue, both sides expressed satisfaction with the intensive and extensive development of bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.
