Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) always backs and facilitates the promotion of ꦫcooperation with traditional friends, including Hungary, NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung told the visiting Hun꧂garian NA Speaker Kover Laszlo.

During his talks with Kover Laszlo in Hanoi on November 9, the Vietnamese top legislator expressed his belief that the visit by the Speaker will mark a new milestone in the links between the two legislative bodies and the two peoples. Vietnam always considers Hungary as a trustworthy friend in the European Union (EU), the NA Chairman affirmed, adding that Vietnam-Hungary affiliation will be a crucial bridge for strengthened relations between the EU and ASEAN member nations. He thanked the Hungarian NA for its ratification of the EU-Vietnam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA), expressing his hope that the Hungarian legislature will support to the early signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The NA Chairman said he believes that the two countries’ NAs will do their utmost to tighten the connection between the two Governments and the traditional friendship between Vietnamese and Hungarian people. For his part, Hungarian NA Speaker Kover Laszlo spoke highly of the regular exchange of delegations between the two countries and the implementation of a cooperation agreement signed by the two legislative bodies in 2009 as these brought the bilateral relations to a new height. He asserted Hungary’s foreign policy priority that focuses on Oriental countries, including Vietnam, stating that the policy aims to set up links with new economic partners after the financial crisis in Europe. Hungary wishes to share experience with Vietnam in law making and reform, he stated, stressing that his visit aims to forge links between the two countries’ legislatures. He said he expects the two sides will step up cooperation between the NA’s agencies and coordination at international parliamentary forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). The Speaker suggested the two NAs establish forums through parliamentarian groups to share experience in parliamentary activities. Concurring with orientations to expand ties between the two legislative bodies and people, the Hungarian top legislator said his country will provide 100 scholarships for Vietnamese students to study in Hungary. Hungary also wants to cooperate with Vietnam in agriculture, water resources management, health care and sustainable development, he added. The two sides agreed to enhance experience sharing in law making and uphold the important role played by their legislative bodies in implementing the national responsibilities in line with the millennium goals adopted recently by the United Nations General Assembly. They also stressed the need to promote people-to-people exchange and connections in culture and tourism in order to promote mutual understanding for both sides’ benefits. NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung will host a banquet for his Hungarian counterpart later the same day.-VNA