National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung arrived in Hanoi on March 23, successfully concluding his European tour after attending the 130th assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and paying official visits to Switzerland and Italy.

The tour left a deep imprint on international partners and held very important significance in intensifying state and parliamentary relations between Vietnam and the IPU, Switzerland and Italy.

During the IPU assembly in Geneva, the Vietnamese side proposed that the implementation of the post-2015 sustainable development programme should be the focus of the 132nd assembly, which will be held in Hanoi in 2015. The suggestion was supported by the union.

Within the framework of his visit to Switzerland, Chairman Hung and parliamentary leaders of the host country agreed to closely cooperate to help consolidate bilateral relations, especially in the fields of economics, trade and education.

In his visit to Italy, Chairman Hung and Italian leaders praised the fine development of the Vietnam-Italy strategic partnership. They also agreed to work together to bring bilateral relations to an even greater level.

Parliamentary leaders of the two countries pledged to intensify the exchange of experience in law-making and supervision work, and the mutual support and assistance at regional and international parliamentary forums.

Chairman Hung also visited the Vatican, met with Pope Fransis I and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin before returning home, concluding his tour of Europe.-VNA