National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, and a high-level Vietnamese delegation have successfully concluded their official visit to Italy, attended the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152), and carried out a series of bilateral activities in Turkey.
Through conferences, forums and high-level meetings, the delegation conveyed the message of a Viet Nam committed to further affirming its position, role, and substantive, responsible contributions within the IPU and at the IPU-152 Assembly, reaffirming its support for multilateralism and multilateral institutions, and promoting bilateral relations with IPU member parliaments in pursuit of the shared goal of peace, cooperation, and development.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man poses for a group photo with heads of delegations at the opening ceremony of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152) in Istanbul, Turkey, 15 April 2026. (Photo: VNA)
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man poses for a group photo with heads of delegations at the opening ceremony of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152) in Istanbul, Turkey, 15 April 2026. (Photo: VNA)
Consolidating political trust and expanding Viet Nam-Italy cooperation
During the visit to Italy, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with President Sergio Mattarella, held talks with Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana, and received Vice-President of the Senate Licia Ronzulli. At these meetings, leaders of both countries expressed satisfaction at the deepening of their longstanding friendship, built over more than 50 years of diplomatic relations and more than a decade of strategic partnership.
Noting the considerable untapped potential for further development, the two sides agreed that Viet Nam and Italy should not only deepen cooperation in established areas such as the economy, trade, investment, and education, but also expand it into sectors where Italy has key strengths, including fashion, the digital economy, the green economy and energy.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets President Sergio Mattarella. (Photo: VNA)
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets President Sergio Mattarella. (Photo: VNA)
Discussing ways to upgrade bilateral relations going forward, Chairman Tran Thanh Man proposed that the two legislatures continue to build political trust by stepping up exchanges at all levels, particularly among parliamentary leaders, committees and friendship groups. Both sides should enhance the sharing of legislative and oversight experience to strengthen the legal framework, while promoting the role of both parliaments in overseeing and implementing bilateral agreements and high-level commitments.
To further advance the strategic partnership and elevate the bilateral relationship, both countries should fully leverage the role of their legislatures and strengthen oversight of the implementation of bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements. Particular attention should be given to expanding cooperation into fields where Italy has strengths and Viet Nam has strong demand, such as science and technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, and high-skilled human capital development.
National Assembly
TRAN THANH MAN
At talks with Speaker of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Viet Nam-Italy relations through both bilateral and multilateral channels.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man holds talks with Speaker of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana. (Photo: VNA)
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man holds talks with Speaker of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana. (Photo: VNA)
Viet Nam affirmed its readiness to serve as a bridge between the Italian Parliament and ASEAN, including through the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). In light of increasingly complex regional and international developments, both sides agreed on the need to continue promoting dialogue, strengthening political trust, respecting international law, and firmly supporting multilateralism.
There remains ample potential for the two countries to further deepen cooperation, not only in established areas such as the economy, trade, investment, and education, but also in Italy’s leading and innovative sectors such as fashion, the digital economy, the green economy, and energy. The two legislatures should continue to build political trust through increased exchanges at all levels, especially among parliamentary leaders, committees and friendship groups. Both sides should enhance the sharing of legislative and oversight experience to refine the legal framework, while promoting the role of both parliaments in overseeing and implementing bilateral agreements and high-level commitments.
National Assembly Chairman
TRAN THANH MAN
In a meeting with Vice-President of the Italian Senate Licia Ronzulli, Chairman Tran Thanh Man expressed sincere thanks for the Italian Senate’s warm reception and conveyed his confidence that the visit would further strengthen the Viet Nam-Italy strategic partnership and bilateral parliamentary cooperation.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets Vice-President of the Italian Senate Licia Ronzulli. (Photo: VNA)
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets Vice-President of the Italian Senate Licia Ronzulli. (Photo: VNA)
The Chairman affirmed that Viet Nam attaches great importance to Italy’s leading role in Europe and globally, and welcomed the steady progress in bilateral relations, particularly since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2013.
He noted that there remains significant scope for enhancing cooperation, especially in areas where Italy has strengths and Viet Nam has strong demand, such as high-tech industry and digital transformation. The National Assembly of Viet Nam and the Italian Parliament have maintained close coordination at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP), further strengthening the Viet Nam-Italy strategic partnership.
Viet Nam is a model of dynamic development and an important, priority partner for Italy in the Indo-Pacific region. Italy supports multilateralism, viewing it as a tool for promoting peace, and attaches importance to ensuring maritime and aviation security, safety and freedom.
Vice President of the Italian Senate
LICIA RONZULLI
As part of his official visit to the Italian Republic, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met Maurizio Acerbo, Secretary of the Italian Communist Refoundation Party. Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed that Italy is one of Viet Nam’s leading important partners in the European Union and expressed his wish to further strengthen the Viet Nam-Italy Strategic Partnership across all channels, including Party-to-Party external relations.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets Maurizio Acerbo, Secretary of the Italian Communist Refoundation Party. Photo: VNA
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets Maurizio Acerbo, Secretary of the Italian Communist Refoundation Party. Photo: VNA
Recalling the affection and valuable support of the Italian people for Viet Nam in its past struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as in its current nation-building and development efforts, the National Assembly Chairman said the two countries share many similarities, especially in terms of cultural traditions, and have always held each other in warm regard.
The Communist Party of Viet Nam values its cooperation with the Italian Communist Refoundation Party and wishes to further strengthen relations between the two parties, thereby helping to advance Viet Nam-Italy friendship and cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples and for peace and stability in the world.
National Assembly Chairman
TRAN THANH MAN
Receiving Chiara Gribaudo, Chairwoman of the Italy – Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Group, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man highly appreciated the group’s positive contributions to promoting parliamentary cooperation, strengthening political trust and expanding traditional friendship and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries in recent years.
Viet Nam is a beautiful country with a rich historical tradition. We need to continue strengthening the ties between our two countries on the basis of the fine historical relationship between our two peoples, in a spirit of cooperation, construction and development.
Chairwoman of the Italy-Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Group
CHIARA GRIBAUDO
At the Vatican, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man had a meeting with Pope Leo XIV and met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Prime Minister of the Vatican.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presents a letter from General Secretary and State President To Lam to Pope Leo XIV. Photo: VNA
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presents a letter from General Secretary and State President To Lam to Pope Leo XIV. Photo: VNA
Thank you to the competent Vietnamese authorities for creating favourable conditions and providing active support for the Resident Representative of the Holy See in Viet Nam to operate in a stable and effective manner. I hope that the two sides will further strengthen exchanges and contacts so that Viet Nam-Holy See relations continue to deepen in line with common interests and the aspirations of the Catholic community.
Pope Leo XIV.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Prime Minister of the Vatican. Photo: VNA
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Prime Minister of the Vatican. Photo: VNA
Relations between Viet Nam and the Vatican are becoming increasingly close, and on that important foundation, ties between the two sides will continue to build positive momentum and move towards new advances in the future.
Prime Minister of the Vatican
Cardinal PIETRO PAROLIN
During the visit, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man also met Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). On behalf of the Party and State leaders, Chairman Tran Thanh Man highly appreciated the role of the FAO in the United Nations development system, especially in promoting agricultural cooperation, rural development and global food security, particularly at a time when the world is facing many difficulties and challenges.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presents the book “80 Years of the Viet Nam National Assembly” to Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO. Photo: VNA
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presents the book “80 Years of the Viet Nam National Assembly” to Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO. Photo: VNA
We hope that the FAO will support Viet Nam in restructuring its agricultural sector towards higher added value and greener, more sustainable and smarter development, adapting to climate change, transforming food systems, controlling diseases, especially those transmitted from animals to humans, and accelerating digital transformation in agriculture.
National Assembly Chairman
TRAN THANH MAN
Reaffirming that Viet Nam always regards the FAO as one of its leading important partners in agricultural and rural development, the National Assembly Chairman welcomed cooperation projects between the FAO and Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities, including food system transformation and the implementation of the project on one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta by 2030.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu recalled his positive impressions from previous visits to Viet Nam and from witnessing the country’s strong transformation over the years, from its struggle for independence to its current path of development and nation-building. He said Viet Nam has truly taken off and will continue to make remarkable strides forward.
Within the framework of an official visit to the Italy, Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man was received by Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala. Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man expressed his pleasure at visiting Milan, a city in northern Italy which holds special significance to Viet Nam as Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked there.
Viet Nam–Italy relations are developing very positively after more than 50 years of diplomatic ties and more than 10 years of implementing the strategic partnership framework across many fields such as politics–diplomacy, trade–investment, culture, education–training, and defence–security, as well as expanding into new areas such as science–technology, innovation, environment, and climate change response. The direct Ha Noi–Milan flight route, which has been in operation since July 2025, has contributed to strongly promoting cooperation in various fields as well as people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man shared his hope that the city’s leadership will continue to pay attention to the promotion of cooperation between Milan and Vietnamese localities in the coming time.
National Assembly Chairman
TRAN THANH MAN
Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man is received by Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala. Photo: VNA
Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man is received by Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala. Photo: VNA
The National Assembly Chairman highly appreciated the dynamic development of Milan, a leading city of Italy and the European Union, with strengths in industry, architecture, design, finance–banking, science–technology and innovation, and high-quality human resource training. He also warmly congratulated the important achievements the city has attained in recent times, including successfully hosting the Winter Olympics 2026.
On the occasion of the official visit to Italy, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse visited Antica Trattoria della Pesa (Milan) - a place preserving traces associated with President Ho Chi Minh during his activities abroad in the 1930s. The restaurant is located at No. 10 Pasubio Street, Milan, where President Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked in the 1930s when he travelled from Paris to Milan to meet comrades of the Communist International and Italian friends.
Outside the restaurant, the NA chairman stopped in front of a white stone plaque installed by the Milan City authorities in 1990, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth, bearing the clearly engraved inscription: “This house is where President Ho Chi Minh often came during his time abroad in the 1930s to defend freedom for the people.”
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presents a photo of President Ho Chi Minh to Antica Trattoria della Pesa restaurant - a place preserving traces of President Ho Chi Minh in Milan. Photo: VNA
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presents a photo of President Ho Chi Minh to Antica Trattoria della Pesa restaurant - a place preserving traces of President Ho Chi Minh in Milan. Photo: VNA
Entering the interior space of the restaurant, the National Assembly Cchairman was moved to witness many artefacts still preserved intact for more than a century: the corner table and chair where he once sat reading newspapers and exchanging with Italian friends and members of the Communist International. The house dates back to 1880 and, despite many upheavals, still retains a near-original state, from the restaurant’s name to its arrangement and furnishings, especially items related to President Ho Chi Minh. The restaurant has two rooms, one of which, where he often sat, is named the Ho Chi Minh Room, featuring a full-body bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh presented by the Vietnamese State to the city of Milan in 2012, placed solemnly along with his photos and images and artefacts of Viet Nam.
Today, Antica Trattoria della Pesa has become a familiar stop for many Vietnamese delegations and citizens when visiting Italy; it is also a place frequented by local residents and international friends seeking to learn about the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh.
Within the framework of the official visit to Italy, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man attended a policy dialogue promoting Viet Nam–Italy cooperation. At the dialogue, Veronica Squinzi, Vice President for International Affairs of the Lombardy Business Association under the Italian Confederation of Industry and Employers, emphasised that National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s official visit to Italy is an important milestone in the strong relationship between the two countries.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man delivers remarks at the opening session of the policy dialogue promoting Viet Nam–Italy cooperation. Photo: VNA
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man delivers remarks at the opening session of the policy dialogue promoting Viet Nam–Italy cooperation. Photo: VNA
This is an opportunity to reaffirm the shared commitment between the two countries to strengthen political dialogue; deepen economic and technological cooperation based on shared values, mutual respect, and a forward-looking vision. As Italy’s leading economic region, Lombardy is the heart of the country’s industrial and technological system. Milan, as the region’s capital, is Italy’s leading financial and business centre and a gateway to the European market for businesses and international investors. Lombardy is also the leading Italian region in trade relations with Viet Nam. Notably, among Italian companies operating in Viet Nam, many originate from Lombardy. The Lombardy region offers Vietnamese enterprises and organisations a highly advantageous entry point into Italy’s industrial and innovation ecosystem in Europe.
Speaking at the dialogue, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasised that the policy dialogue on enhancing Viet Nam–Italy cooperation holds particular significance as bilateral relations enter a new phase of deeper, more effective, and more substantive development. He proposed strengthening business connectivity between the two countries, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to integrate more fully into global value chains, and advancing cooperation in innovation and digital transformation. He also highlighted the role of the two legislatures in overseeing and refining mechanisms and policies, and in fostering a stable, transparent, and enabling legal environment for long-term cooperation.
With strong political foundations, enduring friendship and clear direction, businesses from both countries will intensify engagement and cooperation, translating bilateral friendship into tangible, practical and sustainable outcomes that benefit both peoples.
National Assembly Chairman
TRAN THANH MAN
At the dialogue, representatives of businesses, organisations and associations from both countries exchanged views, shared experiences and proposed practical measures to advance bilateral cooperation in the next phase.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and delegates visit the Vietnam Airlines booth. (Photo: VNA)
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and delegates visit the Vietnam Airlines booth. (Photo: VNA)
Amid global economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing transformations in global value chains, cooperation among reliable partner countries is more necessary than ever. Enhanced Viet Nam–Italy cooperation will foster innovation and support sustainable and inclusive development in both countries.
Vice President for International Affairs of the Lombardy Business Association
VERONICA SQUINZI
Relations between Lombardy and Viet Nam extend beyond a conventional trade partnership, representing a historically grounded and strategically significant connection. Since 2003, Lombardy has identified Viet Nam as a priority partner in ASEAN. The inauguration of the direct Milan–Hanoi flight stands as clear evidence of successful cooperation, not only boosting tourism but also serving as a vital bridge for trade, cultural exchange, and the narrowing of geographical distance.
Undersecretary of the Lombardy Region
RAFFAELE CATTANEO
As part of his official visit to Italy, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Italy.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Italy. (Photo: VNA)
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Italy. (Photo: VNA)
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man updated participants on Viet Nam’s recent development and major milestones such as the successful organisation of the 14th National Party Congress, the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils for the 2026–2031 tenure, and reforms to streamline the political system’s organisational apparatus.
He affirmed that Viet Nam is striving to build a national innovation ecosystem, promote start-up activities and develop research and training centres for high-quality human resources. In this process, overseas Vietnamese, including those in Italy, represent an important source of knowledge, experience and international connections.
Representatives of the community expressed their appreciation for the meeting with National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, describing it as a demonstration of the Party, State and National Assembly’s close attention to overseas Vietnamese.
Recent policies issued by the Vietnamese National Assembly in the field of artificial intelligence, particularly the adoption of the AI Law by the 15th National Assembly, open up new opportunities for overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to contribute to the country’s development.
Lecturer and researcher in computer science and artificial intelligence
Assoc. Prof. Dr NGUYEN THANH PHUONG
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s visit will help deepen the Viet Nam–Italy Strategic Partnership and expand cooperation opportunities in economic, trade and investment fields, especially in areas of strength such as manufacturing, high-quality agriculture and fashion.
Chairman of the Italy–Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce
PHAM VAN HONG
Strengthening the role of multilateralism
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam attended the opening ceremony of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152), themed “Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations”.
Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and other heads of delegations at the opening ceremony of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (Photo: VNA)
Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and other heads of delegations at the opening ceremony of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (Photo: VNA)
This event is of great significance in affirming the central role of parliaments in building consensus, guiding policies, and shaping global solutions, thereby strengthening the role of multilateralism and building a new international relations structure that is fairer and more effective, particularly in key areas such as politics, peace, security, and international economic cooperation.
Speaking at the general debate, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed that the theme of the 152nd IPU Assembly conveys a timely and urgent message at a time when the world is witnessing increasing instability and conflict due to geopolitical competition, non-compliance with international law, the use of force, and the destruction of essential infrastructure, causing great suffering and loss to millions of people.
Wars, conflicts, trade protectionism, and growing trends of polarisation, and fragmentation, along with non-traditional security challenges, are affecting humanity in many ways. Breakthrough technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), while offering many development opportunities, also pose new requirements for management and governance.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the general debate of the 152nd IPU Assembly Photo: VNA
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the general debate of the 152nd IPU Assembly Photo: VNA
Facing this situation, the National Assemnly Chairman said that there are still grounds for confidence and hope for the future. At the global level, commitments to multilateralism and international cooperation have not diminished. Common agendas such as the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development continue to serve as the foundation for global collective action. Through the declaration adopted at the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, IPU member parliaments have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation for peace, justice and prosperity for all.
At the regional and inter-regional levels, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, connectivity efforts and multilateral cooperation initiatives across various fields are being strongly promoted. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) continue to make important contributions to peace, cooperation, and development in the region. In order to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, the National Assembly Chairman called on the IPU and its member parliaments to further strengthen cooperation and international solidarity, uphold the rule of law, and support national initiatives for peace and development.
Promoting stronger and more substantive development of Viet Nam-Türkiye relations
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Photo: VNA)
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Photo: VNA)
Within the framework of his working visit to attend the 152nd IPU Assembly and conduct bilateral activities in Türkiye, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In an effort to promote bilateral relations in a stronger and more substantive manner in the new phase, the two leaders agreed to continue strengthening political trust, soon convene a joint committee meeting, and take advantage of favourable conditions such as direct flights and electronic visas for citizens of both countries, thereby facilitating business connectivity, and promoting cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The two countries should continue to maintain high-level exchanges and effectively utilise existing cooperation mechanisms towards deepening the multifaceted friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Türkiye in the coming time.
National Assembly Chairman
TRAN THANH MAN
Within the framework of the visit to Türkiye, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man attended a policy dialogue on promoting Viet Nam–Türkiye cooperation. The dialogue brought together investors and representatives of various companies, promising to open broader cooperation opportunities between the two countries. These important steps will contribute to further strengthening institutional cooperation and paving the way for investment and business cooperation between the two sides.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the opening session of the policy dialogue on promoting Viet Nam–Türkiye cooperation. Photo: VNA
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the opening session of the policy dialogue on promoting Viet Nam–Türkiye cooperation. Photo: VNA
Speaking at the dialogue, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man stated that this is not only an important occasion for businesses of both countries to meet and exchange investment and trade opportunities, but also a vivid symbol of nearly 50 years of traditional friendship — a relationship nurtured over generations by the leaders and people of both countries through trust, sharing, and sincere affection.
Within the framework of activities at the IPU-152, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man also held meetings with Shalva Papuashvili, Georgian Parliament Speaker; Yerlan Koshanov, Speaker of the Mazhilis — the lower house of Kazakhstan’s parliament; and Patrick Achi, President of the NA of Côte d’Ivoire. NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man and the parliamentary leaders agreed to strengthen delegation exchanges and parliamentary cooperation, as well as coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly within the framework of the United Nations and the IPU, for peace, cooperation, and development.
Published: April 18, 2026
Production Manager: Minh Duc – Truong Son
Content: Hong Cam
Design: Trung Hung
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, VNA