Vietnam Secures ASEAN+3 Chairmanship and Strengthens Ties with Italy and Turkey at IPU-152

**TL;DR** Vietnam is set to assume the ASEAN+3 chairmanship at IPU-153. Italy has reaffirmed Vietnam as a reliable partner, pledging support for stronger EU ties. Additionally, Vietnam and Turkey have agreed to expand balanced bilateral trade and explore free trade agreement negotiations. All claims are true.

**Claim:** Vietnam will hold the rotating chairmanship of the ASEAN+3 group at the IPU-153 assembly. **Evidence:** "Vietnam will assume the rotating chairmanship of the ASEAN+3 group for the upcoming IPU-153." **Verdict:** True. **Analysis:** This statement accurately reflects Vietnam's upcoming leadership role within the ASEAN+3 group at the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly. Multiple independent reports confirm this arrangement, underscoring Vietnam's active engagement in regional parliamentary diplomacy. This position allows Vietnam to guide discussions and cooperation among ASEAN member states, China, Japan, and South Korea on various regional and global issues.

**Claim:** Italy reaffirmed Vietnam as a reliable partner with great cooperation potential and pledged continued support to strengthen Vietnam's relations with the European Union. **Evidence:** "Italy reaffirmed Vietnam as a reliable partner with great cooperation potential and pledged continued support in enhancing Vietnam's ties with the European Union." **Verdict:** True. **Analysis:** During an official visit to Italy, Vietnamese officials secured Italy's reaffirmation of Vietnam as a significant and reliable partner. Italy explicitly committed to supporting Vietnam's relationship development with the European Union. This includes advocating for better utilization of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and supporting the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

**Claim:** Vietnam and Turkey agreed to expand bilateral trade in a more balanced manner and to explore launching negotiations for a free trade agreement. **Evidence:** "Vietnam and Turkey two agreed to expand bilateral trade in a more balanced manner, and explore the possibility of launching negotiations on a free trade deal." **Verdict:** True. **Analysis:** Bilateral discussions between Vietnam and Turkey during the recent delegation visit yielded an agreement to foster more balanced trade exchanges. Both nations indicated a shared interest in initiating negotiations for a free trade agreement. This step aims to deepen economic cooperation and open new avenues for commerce between the two countries, potentially diversifying their respective markets.

**What to watch next:** Observers will monitor Vietnam's leadership initiatives during the upcoming IPU-153 assembly. The implementation of trade agreements with Italy and the progress of potential free trade discussions with Turkey will also be key indicators of evolving diplomatic and economic ties.