VietNamNet Bridge – The Vietnamese National Assembly has given its full support to the transformation of bilateral ties between Viet Nam and Thailand into a strategic partnership that will advance their developing relations in a more intense and practical manner. The move will benefit the two peoples as well as peace, stability and development in the region.

President of Thailand's National Assembly Somsak Kiatsuranont greets National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung yesterday.

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung made this declaration during talks with his Thai counterpart Somsak Kiatsuranont in Bangkok yesterday, Dec 3.

The Vietnamese leader said he was pleased with the recent development in relations between the two NAs, with the regular exchange of all-level delegations.

He said the two countries' parliamentarians have always consulted, co-operated and supported each other at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums such as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) and the International Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Hung also declared that the Vietnamese NA is ready to co-operate with its Thai counterpart in promoting and supervising the implementation of agreements reached by the two Governments, bringing practical and effective results to both sides.
Kiatsuranont expressed his wish that the two NAs and Governments will continue strengthening co-operation in all aspects for the development and prosperity of each country.

Sharing strengths in rice production and export, Viet Nam and Thailand should closely co-operate to become the region's leading countries in food security, he said.

During the talks, lawmakers from both countries agreed to further foster co-operation in culture, transport, education and rice production with each other and neighbours in the region.

They agreed to strengthen delegation exchanges and increase operations in the Viet Nam-Thailand and Thailand-Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Associations, to better bridge the sound friendship and co-operation between both countries.

Earlier the same day, Hung met with the President of the Thai Senate, Nikom Wairatpanich, during which the NA leader expressed his belief that the country would see further successes and play an increasingly important role in the region and the world.

In reply, Wairatpanich said he hoped the two national assemblies would continue to boost their mutual understanding.
He suggested that the two sides prioritise co-operation in key economic areas such as transport and agricultural production.

Wairatpanich also expressed his hope that Viet Nam and Thailand would continue to promote their roles in forging connectivity in ASEAN for peace, development and mutual benefits.

Hung also had a meeting yesterday with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, during which he reiterated his belief that Thailand's initiative to lift the two countries' relations to the level of strategic partnership would benefit not only the two countries but ASEAN and the region as well.

Viet Nam supports and believes that as the country co-ordinator of ASEAN-China relations, Thailand would make positive contributions in this regard, especially in the area of maritime co-operation.

PM Shinawatra said Chairman Hung's visit was especially important in promoting the two countries' co-operation to new heights and strengthening their friendship further.

She expressed her hope that the two countries' legislative bodies would continue to work towards a deeper and broader integration into the ASEAN Community by 2015, as committed by ASEAN members.

The same day, NA Chairman Hung received representatives from the Thailand-Viet Nam Friendship Association and the President of the Thailand-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarian Group.

VietNamNet/VNS