Bilateral relations between Vietnam and Italy have developed well in all fields in recent years, particularly after they agreed to establish a strategic partnership last year, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has said.

Meeting with the President of Italian Senate Pietro Grasso in Rome on March 20, the Chairman expressed his hope that the Italian Parliament will approve and facilitate the European Parliament's adoption of the Vietnam-European Union Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which was signed in June, 2012.

He also called for Italy to support the EU in concluding negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement with Vietnam this year.

The top Vietnamese legislator's official visit to Italy is being made at the invitation of President of the Chamber of Deputies Laura Boldrini.

He invited his host to visit Vietnam and lead a delegation of the Italian Parliament to attend the 132th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly to be held in Hanoi next year.

For his part, Grasso said the Italian Senate and Parliament were willing to support Vietnam's National Assembly to improve its capacity and skills by providing technical support and sharing experiences in law-making and supervision.

The two leaders agreed to increase exchange visits by delegations at all levels and foster cooperation at multilateral forums. They also agreed to better supervise implementation of agreements signed by the two countries.

On March 21, Chairman Hung met with the Vietnamese embassy staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Italy.

He affirmed the Party and State always support and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese citizens living and working abroad. He said he hopes that the Vietnamese community in Italy further contributes to boosting friendship and the comprehensive strategy between the two countries.-VNA