Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung had separate meetings with leaders of the UK parliament and the City of London on Dec. 8, during his visit to the United Kingdom.

In his meeting with Speaker of the House of Lords, Baroness D’Souza, NA Chairman Hung said his visit aims to further strengthen the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership.

The signing of the Joint Declaration on Vietnam-UK Strategic Partnership 2010 marks a turning point in bilateral ties, lifting the relations to a new height, both bilaterally and multilaterally, he said.

The legislative leader expressed thanks to the UK parliament, government and people for providing ODA for Vietnam , making the UK the leading country in the EU in provision of non-refundable aid to Vietnam .

He also informed his host of the establishment of the Vietnam-UK Friendship Parliamentarians Group, saying he believes the group will act as a bridge between the two countries’ people and legislatures.

Lord Speaker Baroness D’Souza expressed pleasure at the development of the two countries’ multifaceted cooperation in the recent past, especially in trade, investment, education and training.

She said she hoped that after the visit, the two countries’ legislative bodies will intensify cooperation and experience sharing to heighten their cooperation.

The same day, NA Chairman Hung and his entourage met with Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.

The two sides expressed their pleasure at the effective cooperation and fine relations of the two countries since Vietnam and the UK set up diplomatic ties in 1973, especially the issuance of the Joint Declaration on Vietnam-UK Strategic Partnership.

The two leaders said the two countries are making new developments in diplomacy, politics, economics, trade and culture.

They also agreed to enhance exchanges and coordination in dealing with regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Also later the day, Chairman Hung met with the Lord Mayor of the City of London , David Wootton.

The two sides were pleased with the launching of the Vietnam-UK direct air route, saying this is an important event that positively impacts on trade, investment, tourism and education between the two countries and helps promote potential areas of cooperation.

They agreed to create favourable conditions for firms from London to invest and do long-term and stable business in Vietnam , particularly in the financial and banking sector, insurance, oil and gas, aircraft engines and energy, for the benefit of each side and for friendship between the two nations.

Earlier in the day, Chairman Hung met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK and Overseas Vietnamese and students studying in the UK .

He also met with leaders of the International Electricity Group, who paid a courtesy visit on the occasion of the Chairman’s official visit to the UK./.