The two leaders said they were pleased to see business activities growing between the two countries and assigned relevant bodies to foster the development.

The Italian PM supported Mr Hung's idea of developing co-operation in education and training, and television to help promote Vietnam's image in Italy and vice versa.

Mr Hung also met the Italian Minister of Tourism, Michela Brambilla, to discuss measures to promote co-operation in a field seen as economically strategic for both sides. He said Vietnam would like Italians to invest in tourism infrastructure, business-management training - and organising tours between the two countries.

On July 14, Vietnam News Agency General Director Tran Mai Huong and Italian News Agency (ANSA) CEO and General Manager Giuseppe Cerbone signed a co-operation agreement during Mr Hung's visit to Rome. The two agencies agreed to exchange news, photos, high-level delegations and journalists to increase mutual understanding.

On July 13 in Milan, Deputy PM Hung witnessed the signing of an agreement that enables diplomatic passport holders to travel without visas. Another was signed on debt exchange.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Cuong and Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini also signed a memorandum on Italy's involvement in activities to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.