(VOVworld) - Vietnam attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with Italy, which is the foundation of the two countries’ friendship and cooperation, said Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong at a meeting in Rome on Wednesday with Italian Senate President Pietro Grasso.

Italian Senate President Pietro Grasso (L) receives Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnamese NAational Assembly Tong Thi Phong (Photo: VNA)

Ms Phong is on a working visit to Italy from Wednesday to Sunday. She suggested that both sides encourage local cooperation model which has been successfully implemented by Yen Bai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Italian localities.

Grasso said Vietnam serves as a gateway between Italy and ASEAN, adding that the Italian Senate will support prompt ratification of the free trade agreement between Italy and Vietnam, which will boost ties in trade, investment, culture, training, and peace keeping.