Staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy welcomed National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and his spouse upon arrival at Ciampino Airport in Rome, Italy. — VNA/VNS Photo Doãn Tấn

HÀ NỘI — Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Trần Thanh Mẫn, his spouse Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nga, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived in Rome on Saturday morning (local time), beginning a five-day official visit to Italy.

Since Việt Nam and Italy established diplomatic relations in 1973, their political ties have been strengthened and developed rapidly. In particular, since the establishment of a Strategic Partnership in January 2013, both sides have actively promoted practical and effective cooperation across all fields, including politics, diplomacy, economy, science, education, defence-security, environmental protection, and local connectivity.

Notably, relations between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Italian Parliament have continued to be maintained and developed fruitfully. Most recently, then NA Vice Chairman Phùng Quốc Hiển visited Italy in 2019, and then Vice President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Marina Sereni visited Việt Nam in January 2014.

In terms of economic cooperation, Italy is Việt Nam’s third-largest trading partner in the European Union (EU), while Việt Nam is Italy’s largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Bilateral trade turnover in 2025 reached US$7.3 billion, an increase of nearly 115 per cent from 2013. Italy was also the first EU member in the Group of Seven (G7) to ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Cooperation in science and technology between the two countries has continued to grow, with specific programmes and activities implemented for each period in line with the needs and potential of both sides. A notable example is the Science and Technology Cooperation Programme for 2024–2026.

Meanwhile, cultural cooperation continues to play an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges. Cultural and artistic activities such as Việt Nam–Italy cultural days/weeks, art performances, fine arts and photo exhibitions, film screenings, and fashion shows are regularly organised.

During the visit, NA Chairman Man is expected to hold talks and meetings with top Italian leaders, attend a Việt Nam–Italy business forum, and meet staff of the Vietnamese Embassy as well as the Vietnamese community in Italy. On this occasion, he is also scheduled to meet Pope Leo XIV and Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

This is the first official overseas trip by Chairman Man following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Việt Nam , the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly, and the consolidation of the state apparatus for the new term.

The visit also provides an opportunity for both sides to implement the Joint Statement of high-ranking leaders on strengthening the Vietnam–Italy Strategic Partnership, as well as action plans for bilateral cooperation. It is also to promote ties between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Italian Parliament, and further deepen bilateral relations in a substantive and effective manner. — VNA/VNS