Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Economic Cooperation and Telecommunications of the Republic of San Marino, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Photo: VNA

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, International Economic Cooperation and Telecommunications of San Marino have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on enhancing political consultations, VNA reported Thursday.

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.

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 in each country and agreed on some measures to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Minister Lucca Beccari exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding. Photo: VNA

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

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 USD 732 billion.

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 the Southeast Asian nation 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.

The MoU is 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. Photo: VNA

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 emphasized 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).

San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world and only covers 61.5 square kilometers in the region of Emilia Romagna, central Italy. It has a population of axp. 30,000 and is a member of the UN, UNESCO, International Court of Justice, World Health Organisation, and World Tourism Organisation.

San Marino is a developed country, with per capita income of about USD 45,000/year, the economy is mainly based on finance, services, and tourism.

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

Last year, Vietnam and San Marino celebrated the 15th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

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