Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Feb. 29 called on the Italian Government to provide Vietnam with Official Development Assistance in human resources training and asked Bhutan to increase bilateral visits for practical cooperation.

Dung held separate receptions for Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzidi Sant’Agata and Bhutanese Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji in Hanoi.

With the Italian diplomat, Dung expressed his delight at growing ties between Vietnam and Italy, but also noted that greater efforts should be made in the fields of economics, trade and investment.

The Vietnamese Government will create favourable conditions for Italian enterprises to work successfully in the country, Dung said, adding that the foreign minister’s visit is the first step towards achieving that goal.

The Minister said his country is especially keen to enhance economic ties with Vietnam . He also said Italy considers Vietnam to be a crucial partner in Asia , and will always encourage its enterprises to invest in the country.

The guest also spoke highly of reforms made by Vietnam to attract investment.

Dung said the visit of the Bhutanese PM’s special envoy is a significant step following the establishment of diplomatic ties on Jan. 19 this year.

He also said Vietnam wishes to cooperate more with Bhutan in economics, trade and tourism.

He suggested the two countries increase the exchange of delegations in order to put cooperation into practice for the two nations’ mutual benefit.-VNA