HCMC – Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong arrived in Rome yesterday, July 26, (Vietnam time), starting his visits to Italy and the Vatican, reported the Thanh Nien news site.
The visits come at the invitation of Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Pope Francis, forming a part of President Thuong’s Europe tour covering three countries from July 23 to 28.
During his State visit to Italy, President Thuong is scheduled to hold talks with President Mattarella, and have separate meetings with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President of the Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana.
He will also meet with leaders from various Italian localities and witness the signing of cooperative agreements between the two nations.
In Vatican City, President Vo Van Thuong is set to meet with Pope Francis, the Vatican Prime Minister, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
the Italy visit is of particular significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Italy.
The two nations set up diplomatic relations after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, and elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in January 2013.
Over the years, Vietnam and Italy have collaborated across various sectors, encompassing politics, diplomacy, economy, science, education, defense, security, and environmental protection.
