(VOVworld) - President of Italy Sergio Mattarella begins a four-day visit to Vietnam on Thursday at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang. 

President of Italy Sergio Mattarella. (Photo: Reuters)

It is the first visit to Vietnam by an Italian President since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1973. The visit aims to boost the Italy-Vietnam strategic partnership across politics, foreign affairs, economics, security, defense, culture, education, science, technology, and tourism. The visit is also expected to open doors for Italian investment in Vietnam and enhance bilateral cooperation at multilateral forums, international organizations.