On 20 February 2023, ASEAN Committee in Rome (ACR) under the Chairmanship of Viet Nam organized a working luncheon with Mr. Romano Prodi, President of Italy – ASEAN Association (former Italian Prime Minister and President of the European Commission), Mr. Michelangelo Pipan, Vice President, and Mr. Romeo Orlandi, Vice President of the Association, which is one of ACR’s counterparts.

ACR informed the Association about key issues and priorities of ASEAN 2023 under Indonesia’s Chairmanship, ACR activities under the chairmanship of Thailand during June – December 2022, and the proposal to enhance ASEAN – Italy relations under the chairmanship of Viet Nam. On the part of the Association, it attached great importance to promoting Italy – ASEAN relations and expressed the willingness to support the ACR’s proposals to strengthen interactions with the Italian side. The Association will also continue to raise an awareness of ASEAN in Italy including through the latest project “The Award for Excellence Thesis on ASEAN in 2023” for Master's degree level.