Undersecretary of State in the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gianni Vernetti paid a working visit to Vietnam from April 25-27, at the invitation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his stay in Vietnam, Mr Vernetti met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, worked with Minister of Culture and Information Le Doan Hop, and held talks with Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Le Cong Phung. He also attended the opening ceremony of the Italian Cultural Festival in Vietnam.

Mr Vernetti expressed his good impression of Vietnam and its people and highlighted the achievements that Vietnamese people have recorded during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process and international integration process. He also affirmed the Italian government’s determination to expand multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam, and support the country in strengthening its cooperation with the European Union.

During the talks, the two sides reviewed the development of bilateral ties over recent years, discussed measures and orientations to boost cooperation in trade, and investment and how to implement cooperation projects that will bring Vietnam-Italy relations to a new level of development, matching the potential of the two countries.

On the occasion, Mr Phung and Mr Vernetti signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultancy between the two foreign ministries and attended the signing ceremony of an agreement between Sassari University and Hue Medical University, regarding the establishment of a Medical Centre “Carlo Urbani” in Hue city.