Rome (VNA) – Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong andItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed the two countries’ relationsand measures for enhancing the bilateral strategic partnership during a meetingin Rome on July 26.

Voicing her delight at the progress in bilateral cooperationin multiple fields, especially economy, trade and investment, PM Meloniaffirmed Italy’s respect for Vietnam’s stature and role in the Indo-Pacificregion.

There remains much room for the two countries to expandcooperation, and Italy is determined to join Vietnam in promoting theirstrategic partnership to together surmount current challenges of the world andthe regions, she stated.

President Thuong, who is paying a State visit to Italy, highlightedthe significance of his trip amid the 50th anniversary of thecountries’ diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the strategicpartnership.

He noted that Vietnam wishes to step up multifacetedcollaboration with Italy, particularly in politics - diplomacy, economy, education- training, culture - arts, and other potential areas.

At the meeting, the two sides agreed to increase mutualvisits between the countries’ ministries, sectors, and localities; and continueeffectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the JointCommittee for Economic Cooperation.

Meloni stressed that the Italian Parliament’s ratification ofthe EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) during theVietnamese leader’s visit demonstrates her country’s attention to theenhancement of bilateral ties.

She also affirmed Italy’s readiness to act as a bridge for the G7 - ASEAN relations and theVietnam - EU ties.

Thuong said Vietnam is ready to cooperate with Italy to boostpartnerships in such fields as green transition, digital economy, andsustainable and inclusive prosperity.

Calling on Italy to strongly support the Vietnam - EU comprehensivepartnership and cooperation, he noted Vietnam is willing to help Italy fosterties with ASEAN.

Both leaders agreed to keep fruitfully carrying out the EU -Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and consider this as an important driver for their countries’ economic links.

Meloni voiced her support for fostering the EVFTA enforcementto raise trade between the two countries to 7 billion USD.

The two sides also concurred in pushing ahead withcooperation in other fields like security - defence, education - training, science- technology, and cultural heritage preservation, which they viewed as potentialareas that need to be tapped into to substantively and effectively intensifythe strategic partnership.

Touching upon some regional and international issues ofcommon concern, both host and guest agreed to strengthen coordination atinternational organisations and forums like the United Nations and the G7 -ASEAN cooperation framework, and work closely in realising the commitmentsunder the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Italy pledged to assist Vietnam in terms of finance,technology, and manpower training to cope with climate change. It also welcomedVietnam’s proposal on the establishment of a trilateral framework onagriculture among Vietnam, Italy and a third country to help deal with theglobal food security issue.

Following the meeting, President Thuong and PM Meloniwitnessed the signing of an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal affairs,and a cultural cooperation programme for 2023 - 2026 between the twocountries./.