The authorities of Milan have pledged to facilitate the organisation of activities and events in the city to mark the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam-Italy diplomatic ties in 2013.

Milan’s Mayor, Giuliano Pisapia, stated this at a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Hoang Long in Milan on July 25.

At the working session, the mayor said the city’s people always support and wish to further develop cooperative ties in economics, culture and education with Vietnam .

Representatives from local economic groups expressed their wish to seek investment and trade opportunities in Vietnam.

Ambassador Long said on the basis of positive developments in bilateral ties, the two countries are determined to map out a strategy for developing their cooperation in economy, trade and investment, education and training, and culture.

According to the ambassador, the organisation of Vietnam Year in Italy and Italy Year in Vietnam in 2013 to mark the 40 th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties is also aimed at increasing mutual understanding in all aspects.-VNA