Vietnam, San Marino Foreign Ministries signed MOU on political consultations: Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Minister Luca Beccari exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding. (Photo: VNA)

The document was inked by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and San Marino Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Economic Cooperation and Telecommunications Lucca Beccari at the headquarters of the San Marino Embassy in Rome, Italy, on March 29, 2023.

Both sides affirmed that the signing of the MoU marks a new milestone in the bilateral relationship and creates momentum to promote the Vietnam-San Marino friendship in the coming time.

Earlier, the two officials had a working session, during which they briefed each other on the situation in their respective countries and exchanged views on the development orientations for the bilateral ties.

They spoke highly of the progress in socio-economic recovery post-COVID-19 in each country and agreed on some measures to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

Accordingly, the two sides will increase the exchange of all-level delegations, organise many activities to promote trade, investment, and tourism, and enhance business connectivity, especially in the fields of services, tourism, and heritage conservation.

Deputy Foreign Minister Hang informed the San Marino Minister about Vietnam’s socio-economic situation in the past year, with its GDP growing by over 8%, and import-export turnover reaching a record high of over 732 billion USD.

Vietnam hopes to strengthen its multi-faceted relations with San Marino, the Deputy Minister affirmed.

Beccari congratulated Vietnam on its achievements, highly valued its potential, and pledged that San Marino is ready to share its experience and support Vietnam in meeting the high EC and international standards in trade and investment, sign cooperation agreements in potential areas such as culture and tourism, and welcome Vietnamese exchange students.

Regarding regional and international issues of shared concern, the officials affirmed that they will maintain close coordination and mutual support at multilateral and international forums such as the United Nations and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), among others.

They also emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world, including maritime security in line with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam and San Marino signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations in 2007 and a double taxation avoidance agreement in 2013.