(VOVworld) – Italy will always stand side by side with Vietnamese people during national construction and defense. Mauro Cotogno, President of the Italy-Vietnam Friendship Association in the Liguria region, made the statement at a seminar in Genoa on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and Vietnam’s National Reunification.
Participants, including representatives of local workers, recalled the Italian movement to support Vietnam’s resistance war and the story of Captain Luciano Sossai, whose ship the Australe carried medicines and staples from Genoa to Vietnam in 1973, and strikes by Genoa workers against US ships during the war.

Italian captain Luciano Sossai (L) is who steered his ship – the Australe – to carry medicines and staples from Genoa port to Vietnam in 1973. (Photo: VNA)

They expressed their love for President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap. A photo exhibition was held in conjunction with the seminar featuring the Genoa people’s movement to support Vietnam.
Addressing a ceremony celebrating the 40^th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification, Basilio Rizzo, President of the municipal council of Milan, said the victory of April 30, 1975, is a symbol of the fighting spirit of the proletariat in Italy.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Hoang Long said that as a friend, reliable partner, and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam will always work with Italy for world peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress.