National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung welcomes Belgian Senate President Christine Defraigne. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA)-A recent Vietnam visit by a Belgian delegation, led by Senate President Christine Defraigne, has helped deepen ties between the two nations and people.
At the invitation of National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, the eight-day visit, which ended on November 8, was an opportunity for the legislative bodies to exchange experiences and forge future co-operation. Belgium attaches significance to parliamentary diplomacy that fosters commercial, cultural and educational engagement with Vietnam.
Highlights of Defraigne’s overseas working trip were her meetings with National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh, and Minister of Education and Training Pham Vu Luan.
Through discussions, both sides agreed to reinforce legislative relations based on increasing liaison and delegation exchanges. They would co-ordinate the implementation of inked projects and strengthen their co-operation in prioritised spheres such as logistics, high-tech, green growth and vocational training.
The Belgian delegation also observed the 10th session of the 13th National Assembly, and held talks with authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
Belgium is Vietnam’s sixth largest trading partner in the EU, with bilateral trade experiencing year-on-year growth of 27.4 percent to reach 2.3 billion USD in 2014.-VNA
