Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (L) and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (Photo: VNA)

Mr. Conte said he expects that Vietnam, as the ASEAN Chair in 2020, will make positive contributions to ASEAN and the EU. He said Italy backs the signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which will be a key factor in ratcheting up bilateral ties.

Ms. Ngan praised Italy’s provision of ODA, noting that Vietnam wants to collaborate in creating a new development direction. She said she hopes Italy and the PM will push for the signing and ratification of the EVFTA, which will open up new cooperative areas for both sides, and said Vietnam will adjust its Labor Code, Trade Union Law, and related Laws to abide by international standards for free trade agreements.

Ms. Ngan called on both parliaments for more delegation exchanges and closer coordination at international forums. She asked Italy and the EU to continue to support the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the East Sea.