(VNA) – The Foreign Ministers of Vietnam and Italy signed a Joint Statement featuring the two countries’ establishment of their strategic partnership as part of Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to the country.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong witnesses the signing of the Vietnam-Italy Joint Statement (Source: VNA)

Under the document, the relations will be broadened and deepened in key areas. In terms of political – diplomatic cooperation, the two sides agree to continue increasing the exchange of high-level delegations, strengthening cooperation between the two Parliaments to improve capacity building initiatives on law-making process. Both agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue Mechanism co-chaired by the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Vietnam and Italy. The Strategic Dialogue Mechanism will be held annually on rotational basis in Hanoi and Rome to discuss bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern. In regard to global and regional issues, Vietnam and Italy are committed in mutual support in international and regional fora, especially within the UN, WTO, ASEM, ASEAN, EU, and on international issues of mutual concern.

Economically, Italy will assist Vietnam in enhancing economic and trade relations with the EU and will support Vietnam in completing the institution of market economy, in view of the EU’s recognition of Vietnam ’s market economy status. The two sides express their support for a swift conclusion of the negotiations for a balanced and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EU. Both nations agree to boost cooperation projects in infrastructure, energy, metallurgy, telecommunications, tourism, environment, healthcare, and fashion.

Vietnam and Italy agree to conclude a new protocol for the development assistance to Vietnam for 2013–2015 through grants and, mostly, concessional credits, in order to support the improvement of Vietnam’s economic and social infrastructures, focusing on water and environment, healthcare, human resources development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The two will consider gradual shifting from traditional cooperation areas towards new ones, such as climate change response, scientific training and research and green/clean energy.

As for defense and security cooperation, the two countries commit to cooperate in the defense industry field and recognise the importance of international cooperation in security matters to prevent and combat trans-national organised crime and terrorism. Vietnam and Italy agree on signing a new MoU to consolidate the legal framework for the promotion of bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest.

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and Vietnam, the two sides agree to hold commemorative activities within the framework of the “Vietnam Year in Italy” and the “Italy Year in Vietnam” in 2013 and pledge to encourage suitable initiatives to be implemented in each country. More specifically, a “Casa Italia” (Italy House) in Hanoi will be developed, given its significance in promoting Italian culture and language as well as “Made in Italy ” products in Vietnam .