Vietnam intends to enhance relations with its traditional friends in the world, including Mexico.


Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan made the affirmation at a working session with Francisco Augustin Arroyo Vieyra, Vice President of the Mexican Senate and Emilio Chuayfet Chemor, President of the Chamber of Deputies, during her visit to the country on December 1-2.


Ngan reaffirmed Vietnam ’s foreign policy of independence and self-alliance, and willingness to become a friend and a responsible partner of all countries as well as the international community.


She spoke highly the Mexican people’s support for Vietnam during the struggle for national independence in the past as well as in the current national construction and development.


She briefed her hosts about Vietnam ’s socio-economic achievements over the past years, with an average annual GDP growth of over 7 percent and stable security and defence.


Regarding Vietnam-Mexico relations, the Vietnamese NA Vice Chairwoman noted that the two countries have seen the development of their traditional friendship and close cooperation at multilateral and international forums.


Although two-way trade between Vietnam and Mexico reached 915 million USD in 2010, up 28 percent against the previous year, the figure is yet to match the two countries’ potential and strengths, she said.


She suggested that the two countries promote in-depth cooperation in all fields between their parliaments, discuss an intergovernmental cooperation mechanism, and strengthen cooperation between both sides’ ministries and agencies and business circles.


The Mexican side spoke highly of the Vietnamese Government’s efforts to improve people’s living conditions as well as the country's great achievements in many fields.


They also valued the role of the Vietnamese NA in the country’s socio-economic development as well as the more active participation of Vietnamese women in social activities.


They pledged to continue seeking the best cooperation mechanisms between the two legislative bodies for the interests of the two countries’ people as well as boost coordination at regional and international forums.


During her stay in Mexico , Ngan and her entourage paid a courtesy visit to President of the Senate Jose Morfin and met Senator Alberto Anaya Gutierrez, General Secretary of the Mexican Labour Party.


The Vietnamese delegation also laid a wreath at the President Ho Chi Minh monument in Mexico City and visited some of the country's historical and cultural sites./.