Relations between Vietnam and European countries including Italy and the Vatican are on a good track, with a series of cooperative developmental achievements across many fields. This is a solid foundation for countries to continue working together while cultivating their friendship, thereby contributing to promoting stability, development and connectivity between the two continents, Asia and Europe.
Vietnam and Italy officially established diplomatic relations in 1973. This year is an important milestone as the two countries are celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership in 2023.
 |
Vietnamese pavilion at the Festival of Ethnic Groups in Italy. |
Over the past half-century, bilateral relations have developed comprehensively with extensive cooperation in many fields, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
According to the Vietnam News Agency, at the recent workshop on Vietnam’s current situation and prospects, jointly held by the Italian Communist Party (ICP) and the Italy-Vietnam Friendship Association (IVFA) in the Italian city of Milan in April, delegates reviewed the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people to regain national independence and reunification.
The delegates emphasised that the Italian people from all walks of life, including many key members of the Italian Communist Party and the Italy-Vietnam Friendship Association, have always shown solidarity and active support to the just struggle of the Vietnamese people.
During the Vietnam-Italy Year 2023, a series of diverse activities are being held in Vietnam and Italy to affirm and honour the good friendship between the two peoples.
Fashion shows and seminars to explore President Ho Chi Minh’s activities in Italy during his revolutionary career; and photo exhibitions on Vietnam-Italy relations and solidarity are taking place in many Italian cities and have attracted the participation of a large number of visitors.
Vietnam is also an effective bridge bringing Italy and ASEAN closer together.
According to Maria Tripodi, Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the cooperation between Italy and ASEAN, of which Vietnam is an influential and dynamic member, is very effective.
Vietnam's bridging role was clearly demonstrated when Vietnam undertook its presidency of the ASEAN Committee in Rome (ACR) during the first six months of 2023.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Italy has made great efforts to promote connectivity activities between ASEAN and Italy, including holding meetings to discuss cooperation orientations for the two sides in high-potential fields such as applications of space technology, and aerospace human resource training.
Meanwhile, the Vatican has also maintained good cooperation with Vietnam.
Official Vatican delegations have visited Vietnam annually since 1990 to discuss pastoral issues of the Catholic Church.
At the end of March 2023, the Vietnam - Holy See Joint Working Group held its 10th-round meeting in the Vatican on March 31 under the co-chair of Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Monsignor Miroslaw Wachowski, Under-Secretary for the Holy See's Relations with States.
Speaking at this meeting, Wachowski noted that the Holy See always hopes that the Vietnam Catholic Church operates in line with Vietnam’s law and actively contributes to the country’s development in conformity with the Church’s teachings.
The Vietnamese community in the Vatican is currently divided into two groups: those working for the Holy See and those residing there.
In the context of the world witnessing a series of complicated challenges, the good cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and Italy and the Vatican is constantly expanding, serving as a foundation for countries to more effectively respond to these difficulties.
Current achievements are the basis to open up new cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese and European partners, thus bringing practical benefits to both peoples.
Source: NDO
