President suggests stronger economic ties with Italy

President Truong Tan Sang pledged the creation of possible conditions for Italian investors to launch long-term business in Vietnam while asking for the setting up of an inter-governmental committee for economic cooperation.

Delighted at positive progress in bilateral political ties, evidenced by the establishment of strategic partnership in 2013, President Sang, however, pointed to the need to maintain the exchange of visits at all levels.

He said he believes that once the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement is finalised by this year's end, fresh cooperation opportunities will come up to both sides.

Programmes on cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries should be carried out quickly, Sang noted, affirming the country's readiness to connect Italy and ASEAN in a stronger manner.

The Italian Prime Minister confirmed that his country wants to step up its strategic partnership with Vietnam and will help Vietnam further its multi-dimensional ties with the European Union.

Learning about China's illegal placement of its Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, seriously threatening security and stability in the East Sea, Renzi said he is concerned about new developments there and expects parties concerned to respect international law while handling disputes./.