NA Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn meets with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome. — VNA/VNS Photo Doãn Tấn

ROME — NA Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Presidential Palace in Rome on the afternoon of Monday (local time), as part of his official visit to the Italy.

At the meeting, Chairman Mẫn conveyed regards from Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm to President Sergio Mattarella, while congratulating Italy on its important achievements under his leadership. The Vietnamese leader emphasised that despite geographical distance, Việt Nam and Italy share many profound similarities in culture and history of struggling for independence. These serve as a foundation to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between the two countries and work toward upgrading their relations in the near future.

To realise this goal, he proposed that both countries promote the role of their legislative bodies and enhance oversight of the implementation of bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements. In particular, they should expand cooperation into emerging fields where Italy has strengths and Việt Nam has demand, such as science and technology, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and high-quality human resource training.

Warmly welcoming the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, President Sergio Mattarella appreciated the significance of the visit, noting that it is the first visit by a key Vietnamese leader to Italy following Việt Nam’s 16th National Assembly election and the consolidation of its state apparatus. Through Chairman Mẫn, the President also conveyed his congratulations to Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm.

Expressing confidence that the visit would create new momentum in strengthening ties between the two countries, the Italian President suggested further promoting bilateral trade turnover, considered a pillar with great potential in their relationship. Alongside economic cooperation, he also proposed expanding exchanges and collaboration in fashion design, culture, tourism, and education.

Discussing global and regional developments amid increasingly complex and unpredictable changes, President Sergio Mattarella highlighted the importance of safeguarding the values of peace and strongly supporting multilateralism. The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination and mutual support at international and regional organisations, particularly the United Nations.

Việt Nam and Italy shared a common vision and agreed on resolving all disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law. — VNA/VNS