(VOVworld)- Vietnam will create the best possible conditions for Italian companies to do long-term business in the country, State President Truong Tan Sang told visiting Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Monday. President Truong Tan Sang said the establishment of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Italy in January 2013 has helped strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas, especially in politics, economics, trade and investment. Consultation and dialogue mechanism between their ministries and agencies have proved effective, offering the two countries plenty of opportunity for broader cooperation, particularly when Vietnam-EU free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations are expected to end late this year. The Vietnamese President proposed that both sides maintain high-level exchange visits, and increase cooperation, primarily in their potential areas such as infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing industry. He also proposed that the two countries soon establish and convene the first meeting of an Intergovernmental Committee for economic cooperation, as well as implementing action programmes on cultural and educational cooperation. He expressed hope that Italy will continue supporting Vietnam in increasing comprehensive cooperation with the EU, especially during the next six months when Italy resumes the EU Presidency. President Truong Tan Sang assured his guest that Vietnam, an active ASEAN member state and coordinator of the ASEAN-EU relations, is ready to help Italy strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries.