Italian Defence Minister visits HCM City
(VOV) - HCM City Mayor Le Hoang Quan has welcomed Giampaolo Di Paola’s visit, which he said will open up a new chapter of cooperation between Vietnam and Italy, especially between the two Defence Ministries.
Receiving the Italian guest on January 12, Quan noted that bilateral political and diplomatic ties have developed well in recent times, but said both countries need to foster cooperation in economics, trade and investment.
He expressed his belief that the upcoming visit to Rome by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong will help expand bilateral cooperation in various areas.
Giampaolo Di Paola briefed Quan on the purpose of his visit, saying it shows Italy’s interest in Vietnam.
He confirmed that Trong’s upcoming visit will contribute to strengthening Italy-Vietnam relations, bringing them to the level of a strategic partnership.
He said he was impressed by HCM City’s development achievements and that Italian businesses operating in the city highly value local potential and opportunities for investment cooperation.
He suggested that both countries need to formulate a long-term investment strategy to raise two-way trade value.
The same day, Giampaolo Di Paola and his entourage made a tour of Cu Chi tunnels system which was considered an iron land during the resistance war against US aggression.On January 10, Giampaolo Di Paola had a meeting with Prime Minister nguyen Tan Dung and held talks with Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh.