NA chairman urges greater co-operation with Belgium

HA NOI — Viet Nam wants to boost comprehensive ties with Wallonie-Bruxelles, the French-speaking community of Belgium.

This sentiment was expressed by National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung during his meeting with Jean-Charles Luperto, president of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Parliament yesterday.

At the meeting, Chairman Hung said the ties of friendship and co-operation between Viet Nam and Belgium in general and the Wallonie-Bruxelles community in particular, have developed in various fields, adding that the two sides should strengthen their relationship for further mutual benefit.

Luperto said the Wallonie-Bruxelles Parliament would always support strengthening its relationship with Viet Nam, considering it a priority in Belgium's external relations.

With its strength in education and culture, the Wallonie-Bruxelles Parliament is keen to boost co-operation with Viet Nam in these fields At a reception for outgoing Iranian ambassador Seyed Javad Ghavam Shahidi, chairman Hung praised the ambassador's efforts and contributions in strengthening the solidarity and comprehensive co-operation between Viet Nam and Iran.

Hung said there was strong potential for lasting economic development between Viet Nam and Iran and hoped that ambassador Shahidi would continue acting as a bridge to promote friendship between the two countries.

He proposed that the two countries would enhance co-operation in trade and investment, and especially in face-to-face diplomacy, to prepare for the 40th anniversary Viet Nam-Iran diplomatic ties. — VNS