In a recent dialogue with students of the faculty of International Politics and Diplomatic Studies, Diplomatic Academy, Hanoi, Italian Ambassador to Vietnam, Cecilia Piccioni affirmed Italy’s commitment to continuing supports for needy localities.

Ambassador Cecilia Piccinoni (L) at the talk.

The dialogue themed "45 year of Vietnam - Italy relations from public diplomacy perspective" took place on November 5.

Opening the event, the Ambassador spoke about the history of Vietnam-Italy diplomatic relations, which were started 45 years ago. 2018 marks the 5^th anniversary of two countries’ strategic partnerships, she noted.

Students of Faculty of International Politics and Diplomatic Studies, Diplomatic Academy attend the talk.

The diplomat stressed the similarity shared by Vietnam and Italy, which is the long coast line, making marine economics, especially fisheries, an essential part of the economy

Vietnam and Italy strategic partnerships are built based on these shared characteristics. When Vietnam enters the middle-income group, many sponsors have left, but Italy chooses to stay, to continue the assistance for Vietnam in various fields, she noted.

Furthermore, the ambassador affirmed Italy’s commitment to investing 110 million euro to sectors which are significant to the development of Vietnam, including clean water for remote areas, human resources training for small-and-medium (SME) enterprises, energy, heritage conservation and healthcare.

The ambassador also expressed her belief in further progress of Vietnam – Italy ties, hoping that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will be signed soon.

In addition, the diplomat looked forward to the launch of a direct flight connecting Milan and Phu Quoc to promote people-to-people diplomacy, travel and the number of exchanged students./.

( Translated by Phi Yen )