The Vietnamese and Lao National Assemblies need to actively implement cooperation agreements, increase information and expertise sharing, and work closely together at regional and global inter-parliamentary forums for peace, cooperation and development.

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung made the suggestion greeting his visiting Lao counterpart, Pany Yathotou, in Hanoi on January 7.

Hung congratulated Laos on its recent achievements in internal and external relations, especially its successful hosting of the 7 th Asia–Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting, the 9 th Asia–Europe Meeting Summit, the Asia–Europe People’s Forum, the Asia–Europe Business Forum, and its membership to the World Trade Organisation.

He also highlighted the Vietnam–Laos National Assembly Cooperation conference in April last year in Son La province during the 2012 Vietnam–Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year.

Yathotou said cooperation between the two legislative bodies in 2012 demonstrated their joint efforts to maintain bilateral friendship and cooperation, contributing to increased solidarity between the people of both countries.

Hailing the outcomes of the recent meeting between the two Politburos, Yathotou said its success displays determination to further boost the special solidarity between the two Parties, States and peoples.

She hopes leaders from the two legislatures will pay more attention to cooperation programmes between both Governments, especially those between the Vietnam–Laos, Laos–Vietnam Cooperation Sub-committees, to reap practical and effective results.

The Lao legislative leader also held a working session with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Vegetable and Fruit Research Institute the same day.-VNA