Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh hosted a reception to the Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro on March 24.

At the meeting, the Hanoi mayor showed his delight at positive progress in all aspects of the Vietnam-Italy strategic partnership so far, especially the activities jointly held in 2018 when the two countries celebrated 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh (right) hosted a reception to the Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro (left) in March 23. Photo: Tu Anh.

There are many events organized by government agencies on both sides, as well as cultural exchanges between the peoples of Vietnam and Italy in recent times. Among them, the event entitled “Italian Square 2018” stood out.

Regarding the upcoming activities of the city, Chu Ngoc Anh said that Hanoi is working closely with related units to well organize SEA Games 31 and Para Games 11, the two major sporting events in the region, by the end of 2021.

In the preparation for these two games, Hanoi has received support from a number of international agencies and foreign countries, including Italy.

Ambassador Antonio Alessandro expressed his gratitude to the city government for creating favorable conditions for the Embassy's activities to go well in recent years.

Vietnam and Italy have upgraded their tie to strategic partnership since 2013.

Alessandro said he believes that the two sides will continue to cooperate extensively in all fields. At the same time, he welcomes regular dialogues between the two countries in searching for potential cooperation and business exchange in the future.

According to the ambassador, there are quite a few Italian businesses and experts from relevant fields willing to cooperate and support Hanoi in organizing the SEA Games 31 and Para Games 21.

He also mentioned bilateral cooperation in the field of cultural heritage conservation, an area where Italy has a lot of experience.

In addition, many Italian businesses also seek cooperation with Vietnamese partners in the field of urban planning, especially the development of satellite towns in Hanoi’s periphery in the coming time.

Anh said Hanoi strives to become a venue for international cultural and sports events in the next five years. Therefore, the city always welcomes international cooperation in relevant fields to achieve its goal.

Mr. Ngoc Anh also pledged that Hanoi would create the best conditions for Italian enterprises doing business in the capital.