According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang, this is the first official overseas visit of the National Assembly Chairman following the 14th National Party Congress, the 16th National Assembly elections, and the restructuring of the State apparatus. The visit highlights Vietnam’s new diplomatic mindset and elevated international position.

Strengthening multilateral cooperation

On the multilateral front, Vietnam reaffirms its strong support for multilateralism and the rule of law, continuing its proactive engagement in IPU activities. The National Assembly has long taken the lead in promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation, proposing initiatives, and contributing substantively to IPU operations.

During IPU-152, Chairman Man will share Vietnam’s vision on global and regional issues and propose concrete inter-parliamentary cooperation measures to maintain peace, stability, and sustainable development worldwide.

According to the diplomat, the Assembly’s theme, “Nurturing Hope, Ensuring Peace, and Protecting Justice for Future Generations,” reflects the core concerns of the international community. Vietnam will actively discuss legislative efficiency, oversight mechanisms, and multilateral cooperation with fellow member parliaments to achieve common objectives.

Enhancing strategic bilateral relations

The visit also provides an opportunity to consolidate and expand bilateral relations with Italy and Turkey, Vietnam’s longstanding strategic partners. With Turkey, this is the first visit by the National Assembly Chairman in eight years, aimed at enhancing political trust, deepening parliamentary cooperation, and promoting economic, trade, legislative, energy, and Halal agricultural collaboration. Turkey serves as a key gateway for Vietnam’s exports to the Middle East and Southern Europe, with bilateral trade reaching nearly US$2.3 billion in 2025 and 49 active investment projects in Vietnam.

With Italy, the visit seeks to implement the Joint Declaration on strengthening the Vietnam–Italy Strategic Partnership and the countries’ Action Plan. Italy ranks as Vietnam’s third-largest EU trading partner, while Vietnam is Italy’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. Bilateral trade totaled US$7.3 billion in 2025, a nearly 115% increase since 2013.

Beyond economic cooperation, Vietnam and Italy are expanding science and technology collaboration through programs for 2024–2026 and organising cultural and artistic exchanges, including Vietnam–Italy cultural weeks, exhibitions, and performances that deepen mutual understanding.

High expectations

During the trip, Chairman Tran Thanh Man will meet Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to further enhance Vietnam’s cultural and religious ties with the Holy See and promote strategic dialogue.

Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang emphasises that the visit will bring new opportunities and momentum to mobilise resources, drive national development, and contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable growth regionally and globally. With strong foundations of longstanding and productive relations with Italy and Turkey, the trip is expected to deliver significant outcomes, opening new avenues for Vietnam’s engagement with international partners.

NA Chairman to attend IPU-152 in Turkey, pay official visit to Italy

VOV.VN - National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation will attend the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152) in Istanbul, Turkey, engage in a number of bilateral activities in Turkey, and pay an official visit to Italy from April 11 to 17.