At the meeting, the two sidesspoke highly of the traditional relationship between Vietnam and Italy,which has been nurtured by the two countries’ leaders and people overdecades.
Both sides expressed delight at theprogress made in trade and investment between the two nations, thoughnoted the relations are still below their potential.
They agreed to work closely together to boost two-way trade and Italian investment in Vietnam.
Gentiloni affirmed his support for an early conclusion of theVietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement as well as recognition of Vietnam as amarket economy.
The FM appreciated Vietnam’s joining of the Milan Expo with a pavilion made of bamboo, one of the fair’s highlights.
Italy has developed strong cooperative systems in agriculture,construction, finance and services suitable for sharing experience andexpertise with Vietnam, he added.
He also expressed willingness to assist Vietnam in developing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).-VNA