Vietnamese and Italian Foreign Ministers held phone talks on May 19, discussing measures to control the COVID-19 epidemic and strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh held phone talks on Vietnam-Italy cooperation with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio 

During the talks, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio spoke highly of Vietnam's initial success in responding to COVID-19, thus bringing the epidemic under control. He expressed his gratitude for the valuable assistance the Government and people of Vietnam have provided to the Government and people of Italy during the difficult period, considering this a gesture of showing friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh informed the Italian diplomat on the positive results Vietnam has achieved in containing COVID-19, which have been recognized internationally. He affirmed that Vietnam will continue to cooperate with Italy and the international community on the battle against the epidemic.

Deputy PM Minh thanked Italy for facilitating the repatriation of Vietnamese nationals during the recent epidemic and hoped that the Governments of the two countries will further work closely to support their citizens in the time to come.

Both sides emphasized the importance of the Vietnam-Italy strategic partnership, and agreed to promote the exchange of delegations at all levels between the two countries when the epidemic is under control globally. They also agreed to strengthen the mechanisms of consultation and coordination of relations to guide the effective implementation of bilateral cooperation in the new context, especially in the fields of economics, trade, science - technology, culture and education.

Deputy PM Minh proposed that Italy continue its support for the development of Vietnam-EU relations, including the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The two officials said Vietnam and Italy will collaborate closely in addressing international affairs and promoting relations between ASEAN and Italy in 2020 when Vietnam is assuming the role of ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021 term.

Deputy PM Minh invited Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio to pay an official visit to Vietnam, and the Italian diplomat accepted the invitation with pleasure.