State President holds talks with Italian counterpart

State President Truong Tan Sang and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella inspects the guard of honor at the Presidential Palace in Ha Noi on November 6, 2015. Photo: VGP

The visit took place at a time when Viet Nam is accelerating the multilateralization and diversification of international relations, striving for a strong ASEAN Community, and deepening cooperation with major and traditional partners, including Italy, said State President Sang.

The two Presidents were pleased as the two countries have maintained various cooperation mechanisms like strategic and defense policies dialogues and joint committee for economic cooperation.

Italian President at the talks with State President Truong Tan Sang in Ha Noi on November 6. Photo: VGP

Both sides spoke highly of coordination at multilateral forums, which has helped elevate their positions in the world, especially in the aspect of settling global challenges like climate change, food security, and maritime security.

State President Sang conveyed his thanks to Italy for backing Viet Nam’s bid to join the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2016-2018 tenure and for its commitments to support Viet Nam’s run for a seat in the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

He suggested that Italy should beef up the ratification of the Viet Nam- EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement sealed in 2011 as there are only four countries that have not approved the agreement.

State President Truong Tan Sang asks Italy to quicken the ratification of the Viet Nam-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement sealed in 2012. Photo: VGP

The Italian President affirmed that his country advocates the official signing of the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the EU as well as the EU’s recognition of Viet Nam’s market economy status.

Meanwhile, President Sang voiced his support for Italy to strengthen relations with the Asia-Pacific region and ASEAN.

Regarding the East Sea situation, President Sang asked Italy to promote its voice in the G7 countries and the EU and back the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and formation of a Code of Conduct for the East Sea.

In response, President Mattarella said he supports Viet Nam’s position of settling differences by peaceful measures on the basis of international law, maintaining the freedom of navigation and aviation and ensuring safety and security in the region.

By Huong Giang