During the dialogue, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien affirmed that Vietnam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations. He reiterated Vietnam’s steadfast defence policy of "four no's": no military alliances; no association with one country against another; no foreign military bases or use of Vietnamese territory to oppose other countries; and no use or threat of force in international relations.

On the East Sea issue, he underscored Vietnam’s consistent position of resolutely and peacefully settling all disputes and differences in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and relevant international and regional commitments such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC). He expressed Vietnam’s support for an early signing of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed satisfaction that defence cooperation between Vietnam and Italy has continued to be consolidated and strengthened in a practical and effective manner, in line with signed cooperation agreements. Notable areas include delegation exchanges, particularly at high levels; effective maintenance of dialogue and consultation mechanisms; training; defence industry; and United Nations peacekeeping.

He emphasized that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence is willing to receive Italian officers for the International Defence Officials Course at the National Defence Academy and for Vietnamese language training at the Military Science Academy. He proposed that both sides continue to explore the possibility of signing additional cooperation documents, while intensifying delegation exchanges at all levels, training, defence industry cooperation, and UN peacekeeping. He also suggested expanding mechanisms and forms of dialogue and consultation to enhance mutual understanding and trust, and called for closer coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations, within ASEAN, and with the European Union.

Deputy Minister Chien also expressed hope that Italy would lend its voice in support of the EU's early removal of the IUU yellow card against Vietnam, and support Vietnam in bolstering defence cooperation with the EU under the Framework Participation Agreement (FPA) on Vietnam's participation in the EU’s crisis management operations.

On this occasion, Chien extended his sincere thanks to the Italian Undersecretary of State for Defence and appreciated the presence of the Italian defence ministry delegation and leading defence industry enterprises at the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024.

Showing appreciation for the warm welcome from the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence and Deputy Minister Hoang Xuan Chien, Matteo Perego di Cremnago spoke highly of the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024. He expressed confidence that this Dialogue would be a success as a contribution to strengthening bilateral defence ties and further propelling the Vietnam–Italy Strategic Partnership forward.

He also welcomed the topics raised by Deputy Minister Chien and noted that Vietnam and Italy share common perspectives on global affairs, a commitment to noble international missions, and a focus on developing new technologies- all aimed at contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

The Italian Undersecretary affirmed his nation’s strong interest in further boosting defence ties with Vietnam, laying the groundwork for more practical cooperation steps in the time ahead. He also stated that Italy has extensive experience and capabilities in unexploded ordnance clearance and is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in this area.

At the conclusion of the dialogue, the two sides signed a Memorandum of the Dialogue and a Letter of Intent on establishing a working group on bilateral defence equipment cooperation.

Vietnam, Italy look to boost relations to next level

The relationship between Vietnam - Italy has recorded strong and fruitful development across sectors with a "vibrant vitality" after more than 50 years of establishing diplomatic ties based on the solid foundation of a traditional, sincere and warm friendship, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung has stated.