Rome (VNA) – Italy attachesimportance to developing the strategic partnership with Vietnam – its leadingpartner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ItalianPresident Sergio Mattarella has said.
The Italian leader made the affirmation at a reception for VietnameseAmbassador to Italy Nguyen Thi Bich Hue who came to present her credentials onJanuary 21.
Mattarella recalled his fruitful visit to Vietnam in 2015 and congratulated thecountry on its great achievements on socio-economic development andinternational integration.
The host asked Hue to convey his regards and greetings to General Secretary ofthe Communist Party of Vietnam and President Nguyen Phu Trong.
In reply, Hue expressed her honour to work as Vietnam’s ambassador to Italy,which, she said, holds important role and position in Europe and the world atlarge.
She congratulated Italy on its successful Chairmanship of the Organisation forSecurity and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2018 as well as Matera city selectedas the European capital of culture in 2019.
The diplomat stressed Vietnam’s policy of prioritising the development ofcomprehensive cooperation with Italy, and pledged to make all-out efforts tofulfill her tasks in the country, contributing to forging the bilateralstrategic partnership.
On this occasion, Hue extended Party General Secretary and President Trong’s invitationto President Mattarella to visit Vietnam.-VNA