Ho Chi Minh City, Italy seek closer cooperation on maritime security, supply chains

Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairman Tran Van Bay made the remarks while receiving Lorenzo Malandrucco, commander of the Italian Navy's ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere, along with Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta, Consul General Alessandra Tognonato, officers and crew members on Wednesday afternoon.

ITS Giovanni Delle Bande Nere, Italy's most advanced multipurpose warship, arrived at Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday for a five-day visit to strengthen naval and maritime security cooperation between the European country and Vietnam.

Strengthening maritime security, defense cooperation

At the meeting, Bay said the visit by the Italian Navy ship is symbolic and will contribute to promoting cooperation between the two navies, as well as defense ties between Vietnam and Italy, further deepening the two countries' strategic partnership.

The two sides have maintained a defense policy dialogue mechanism and cooperation in delegation exchanges, training, and defense industry development.

Vietnam also opened its Defense Attaché Office in Italy in April.

For Ho Chi Minh City, Italy is one of its important European partners in trade, investment, and culture.

Two-way trade between Ho Chi Minh City and Italy exceeded US$800 million in 2025, Bay said.

The city has established friendship and cooperation ties with three Italian localities, namely Turin, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, while promoting cooperation with Milan in wastewater management and urban flood prevention.

Looking ahead, Bay said Ho Chi Minh City hopes to expand exchanges, training, and experience sharing with Italy while exploring new areas of cooperation such as cybersecurity and waterway security.

He also welcomed the organization of a roundtable titled 'Safe Seas, Sustainable Supply Chains: Promoting Italy-Vietnam Maritime Cooperation' on Friday during the visit of the Giovanni delle Bande Nere.

Safety, security, and freedom of navigation based on international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea are prerequisites for peace and stability at sea, as well as a foundation for sustainable global trade, energy, and supply chains, Bay added.

Italian commander impressed by Ho Chi Minh City

Responding to Bay, Malandrucco said the Italian Navy's presence in the Indo-Pacific is important because the region is of strategic significance to Italy.

"The highest goal and mission of the Italian Navy are to maintain safety, security, and freedom of navigation," he said.

According to Malandrucco, the Giovanni delle Bande Nere is the second Italian Navy vessel to have visited Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam in recent years, reflecting Italy's interest in Vietnam and its partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

The ship began its voyage on May 3 and has carried out various operational cooperation, training, and exercises during its deployment to strengthen the expertise of its officers and crew and cooperation with navies in the region.

Malandrucco said this is his first visit to Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City, adding that he and the crew have been pleased to be in the city and impressed by its beauty and development.

Cooperation extends beyond defense

Ambassador Seta said he is proud to see the Italian Navy vessel in Ho Chi Minh City.

He said the ship has opened its doors to the public during its visit, with all available visiting slots fully booked, which reflects the positive relationship between the city's residents and the Italian Navy.

Seta also thanked Ho Chi Minh City for sending representatives from relevant departments and agencies to attend the September 18 roundtable.

Meanwhile, Consul General Tognonato recalled that the two sides had agreed to focus future cooperation between the city and Italy on education, training, science, and technology.

The diplomat said the Italian Navy's visit could help promote cooperation beyond defense.

With the ship's advanced technologies and the expertise and experience of its commander and crew, the two sides could expand cooperation in education, training, and innovation, Tognonato said.