VGP – National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan hosted a reception for Italian PM Giuseppe Conte who was on a visit to Viet Nam on June 5.

Photo: QDND

Chairwoman Ngan congratulated the successful talks between PM Giuseppe Conte and PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc. She hoped that the two sides would work closely to cement and deepen the strategic partnership. 

The host leader expressed her pleasure at the fine relations. So far, Italy is Viet Nam’s fourth largest trade partner in the EU and Viet Nam is Italy’s largest trade partner in ASEAN. The two-way trade value grew from US$ 1.8 billion in 2010 to US$ 4.67 billion in 2018. The two sides are striving for the figure of US$6 billion in 2020. 

The host leader spoke highly of Italy’s provision of ODA for climate change, health care, small and medium-sized enterprise support, and vocational training. These projects met practically Viet Nam’s priorities in sustainable development. 

In reply, PM Giuseppe Conte expressed his hope that the visit would create an impetus for bilateral cooperation to be expanded not only in economy, but also in culture, science and technology, noting Viet Nam’s economy is growing dynamically.

He expects Viet Nam, as the ASEAN Chair in 2020, would make positive contributions to ASEAN and the EU. 

Italy said PM Giuseppe Conte supports Viet Nam’s bid to run for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the 2020-2021 term.  

The guest leader affirmed Italian support for the EU’s signing and ratification of EVFTA and expressed his belief that the agreement will be the key tool in ratcheting up bilateral ties, especially in economy./.