Over the years, people-to-people exchanges have fostered trust and mutual understanding between Vietnam and Italy in general, Hanoi and Rome in particular, paving the way for extensive cooperation in economy, trade, and investment.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh and Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro. Photo: The Hanoi Times

“This is particularly important as 2030 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.”

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh made the statement in a meeting with the outgoing Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro today [July 7].

Hanoi’s Mayor expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for his valuable insights and acknowledged his contributions to the overall development of bilateral relations between the two nations.

On Hanoi’s long-term development, Thanh said the city is prioritizing soon finalizing the Capital Planning for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

Recognizing Italy's expertise in this field, particularly in Rome, Thanh said Hanoi is keen on exchanging information and collaborating to explore potential cooperation opportunities.

With a commitment to fostering cooperation, the Chairman assured that the local government would continue to facilitate the activities of the Italian Embassy in Hanoi by creating favorable conditions.

He expected that the Ambassador would further deepen the understanding and affinity for the capital city of Hanoi among the Italian people, thus strengthening the longstanding and cordial friendship between the two countries.

During the meeting, Ambassador Antonio Alessandro expressed his deep gratitude and a sense of belonging after serving in Vietnam for over four years, stating that he feels like a citizen of Hanoi.

Alessandro said the Italian Embassy had received excellent support and cooperation from the Hanoi People's Committee, leading to remarkable achievements in various fields of cooperation between Vietnam and Italy, spanning culture, society, economy, commerce, and tourism.

Reflecting on the collaboration between the two sides, the Ambassador expressed appreciation to the city government for facilitating the Embassy's partnership with the Hanoi Museum in organizing cultural exchange events, Italy Square events, and the successful maintenance of the Casa Italia project (The Italian House).

Additionally, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Italy has shown positive growth, with Italian businesses actively participating in the Vietnamese market. The Ambassador acknowledged Hanoi's efforts in creating an attractive investment environment and highlighted the role of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM) in further developing these potentials.

The Ambassador anticipated new advancements in the relationship between Vietnam, Hanoi, and various Italian localities. Initiatives such as the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Rome and Hanoi and Rome's bid to host EXPO 2030 hold promising prospects for expanded cooperation.

Alessandro expressed his hope for continued support from the Hanoi government and his successor in capitalizing on these significant cooperation opportunities.

Concluding his remarks, Alessandro affirmed that although his term would conclude the following month, his affection and connection with Hanoi and Vietnam would endure indefinitely.