Party leader begins state visit to Italy
(VOV) -A delegation led by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong arrived in Rome on the afternoon of January 20 (local time), beginning an official state visit to Italy at the invitation of President Giorgio Napolitano.
They were welcomed at Ciampino Military Airport by Italian government officials, representatives from the Vatican, members of the overseas Vietnamese community, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Hoang Long, and Vietnamese embassy staff.
Trong and his entourage met and talked with Vietnamese embassy staff and overseas Vietnamese immediately upon their arrival.
Trong called on Vietnamese expatriates in Italy to keep abreast of developments in their home country, briefing them on the results of his visit to Belgium and the European Union (EU). A series of cooperative documents were signed during these earlier visits, helping promote exchanges and expand cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.
Trong emphasised the importance of his first trip to Western European nations. The region is an important international player and a centre for economics and finance, culture, education, and science and technology.
The Party chief asked Vietnamese embassy staff to fulfill the responsibilities assigned to them by the Party, State, and people and act as a bridge enabling friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Acknowledging the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival (Tet), Party leader Trong wished embassy staff and overseas Vietnamese good health, happiness, and success in the New Year.