Italy backs progress on EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement ratification

She underlined that Vietnam is a dynamic development model and a key priority partner of Italy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ronzulli expressed strong agreement with the cooperation directions proposed by NA Chairman Man and asserted that Italy will promote effective implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and throw its weight behind the ratification of EVIPA, as well as efforts to lift Vietnam’s IUU fishing ‘yellow card.’

At the meeting, the top Vietnamese official affirmed that Vietnam treasures Italy’s leading role in Europe and globally, expressing satisfaction at the positive development of bilateral ties.

He proposed both sides increase delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, enhance the sharing of experience between parliamentary committees and friendship groups, especially in legislation and oversight, and promote the elevation of Vietnam-Italy relations to a new level.

He also noted significant untapped potential in sectors such as fashion, textiles and garments, leather and footwear, digital transformation, and energy.

He suggested that both sides effectively implement the mechanism of the Vietnam-Italy Joint Committee on economic cooperation and make full use of the EVFTA to boost investment in promising areas like high technology, green economy, finance-services, and logistics.

Chairman Man proposed that Italy hasten the remaining EU member states to soon ratify the EVIPA, and that the European Commission consider lifting the ‘yellow card’ on Vietnam’s seafood exports and removing Vietnam from the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.

Vice-president Ronzulli expressed pleasure at the strong presence of Italian enterprises in Vietnam, noting significant cooperation potential in energy, artificial intelligence, innovation, and tourism.

Both nations agreed to strengthen contacts, consultations, cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums.

On this occasion, NA chairman Man extended an invitation to Ronzulli to visit Vietnam and, through her, conveyed an invitation to the President of the Italian Senate to pay an official visit to Vietnam

Deepening bilateral partnership

During his official visit to Italy, NA chairman Man also met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Presidential Palace in Rome on the same day, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the meeting, chairman Man conveyed greetings from Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to President Mattarella, while congratulating Italy on its important achievements under his leadership.

The Vietnamese leader emphasized that despite geographical distance, Vietnam 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 ties in the near future.

He proposed 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 Vietnam has demand, such as science and technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, and high-quality human resource training.

The Italian president appreciated the significance of the visit, noting that it is the first visit by a key Vietnamese leader to Italy following Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly election and the consolidation of its state apparatus.

Through chairman Man, President Mattarella also conveyed his congratulations to Party General Secretary and State President Lam.

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 and expanding exchanges and collaboration in fashion design, culture, tourism, and education.

Discussing global and regional developments amid increasingly complex and unpredictable changes, President Mattarella highlighted the importance of safeguarding peace and strongly supporting multilateralism.

The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination and mutual support at international and regional organizations, particularly the United Nations.

Vietnam and Italy shared a common vision and agreed on resolving all disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law.