Tripodi highly valued the strong growth and stability of Vietnam’s economy, stressing that Italy would work to promote Vietnam–EU relations and support Vietnam in meeting product standards for sustainable participation in the European market.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Hang expressed her pleasure at meeting Tripodi again after their political consultation in January 2025, and welcomed the positive developments in Vietnam – Italy relations since then. She called on the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs to continue close coordination to deepen cooperation, including through exchanges of delegations at all levels, enhancement of cooperation mechanisms, and effective implementation of signed agreements.

Both sides agreed to maximize opportunities under the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), aiming to double bilateral trade in the coming years and to serve as gateways for each other’s goods into their respective ASEAN and EU markets.

Tripodi also supported Vietnam’s proposal to encourage EU member states to soon ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to urge the European Commission to remove the IUU yellow card on Vietnamese seafood.

Hang recalled the results of Italian Deputy Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Valentino Valentini’s visit earlier in September, as well as the success of the Vietnam–Italy Business Forum in Hanoi with the participation of more than 250 enterprises from both sides. She noted that the event reflects the strong interest and potential for expanding trade and investment cooperation.

With regard to people-to-people exchanges, Tripodi thanked Vietnam for extending visa exemptions for Italian citizens and welcomed the launch of a direct Hanoi–Milan flight by Vietnam Airlines, which he said would help boost cooperation in tourism, culture, and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and the EU. On the East Sea, both sides underscored the importance of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in resolving disputes peacefully and contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang was paying a working visit to Italy. 
 

Vietnam and Italy sign over 10 MoUs on strategic cooperation in key sectors

VOV.VN - More than 10 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed at the Vietnam–Italy Business Forum in Hanoi on September 4, covering key areas of innovation, Industry 4.0, energy and infrastructure, finance and insurance, trade and tourism promotion.