National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung on June 16 hosted a reception for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, underscoring that Vietnam wishes to continue promoting trade and investment ties with the Netherlands .

Hailing Rutte’s visit, which was made with both countries having just celebrated their 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties, he expressed his delight at the growing cooperation between the two sides over the past years.

The NA leader lauded the outcomes of Rutte’s talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, affirming that Vietnam always hopes to nurture the friendship and multifaceted partnership with the Netherlands – a country that plays an important role in the European Union.

For his part, the Dutch PM said his visit aims to further the sound political relations between the two countries as well as their all-round cooperation, especially in economics.

He stated that similarities in geography and maritime between the Netherlands and Vietnam provide the firm foundation for bilateral ties.

The Netherlands is always willing to support Vietnam in boosting affiliation with the European Union, he said.

Both host and guest also reviewed the coordination between the two legislative bodies over the past years. The two sides have supported each other at multilateral forums and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, they noted.

They also expressed belief that the ties will continue to grow, contributing to bilateral relations.

On the occasion, NA Chairman Hung sent his invitation to the Speakers of both Houses of the Dutch parliament to attend the 123 rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Hanoi next March.-VNA