The two prime ministers expressed pleasure at the positive developments in the two countries’ cooperative ties, especially in politics and high-level delegation exchange.

They acknowledged that there remains much potential for developing Vietnam-Italy relations of cooperation in the fields of economics, trade and investment, especially in developing infrastructure, education, health care, light industry and media.

PM Dung stressed that Vietnam attaches great importance to promoting comprehensive ties with Italy and said he highly valued the efficiency of Italian-invested projects in Vietnam. Mr Dung proposed Italy continue providing ODA for Vietnam, with priority given to environment, health care and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The PM expressed the wish that Italy will continue to assist underdeveloped and developing countries to achieve the status of average-income countries and the Millennium Development Goals on schedule.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Sivio Berlusconi said he highly respected the Vietnamese economy for its positive and dynamic development in the region and affirmed that his country gives a high priority to multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam. He said an increasing number of Italian businesses are seeking opportunities for investment in Vietnam.

Regarding international issues of mutual concern, PM Dung confirmed that Vietnam is willing to serve as a bridge between Italy and Southeast Asia, while PM Berlusconi affirmed his support for Vietnam to develop its ties with the EU and European countries.