National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (left) and his Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Zhelyazkov sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two legislatures following their talks in Sofia on September 25. (Photo: VNA) At the talks, which took place followingan official welcome ceremony for the Vietnamese top legislator, Zhelyazkov affirmed that Hue’s visit is of significanceas it marks a new step in the relations between the two countries.
Zhelyazkov congratulated the great achievementsVietnam has recorded in reform, in which, he said, the Vietnamese legislature playsa crucial role.
Bulgaria always attaches importance tothe long-standing friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam, whichhave been cultivated by generations of leaders of the two countries over thepast more than seven decades, he stressed.
For his part, Hue emphasised that theState, NA and people of Vietnam always remember the valuable, whole-hearted supportof Bulgaria to Vietnam during its past struggle for national independence aswell as the present cause of national construction and development.
Bulgaria was one of the first countriesto recognise and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and it has helpedthe Southeast Asian nation train over 30,000 officials and technicians,including many high-ranking officials, he continued.
Hue noted his beliefthat the visit will contribute to enhancing the bilateral cooperationintensively, practically and comprehensively across spheres.
The two leaders had an in-depth discussionon various issues, both bilaterally and multilaterally, and shared the viewthat the bilateral cooperation has been strengthened in different areas, yet ithas not matched the political trust and potential of both sides.
Therefore, for politics and diplomacy, theyagreed to step up the exchange of delegations at all levels, enhancecollaboration between NA committees and agencies, and promote the legislatures’role in supervision and the implementation of agreements reached by the twocountries.
Vietnam and Bulgaria will also further coordinateand support each other at regional and international forums like the UnitedNations, the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN).
Vietnam supports the Bulgarian NA toconsolidate and elevate its relations with the ASEAN Inter-ParliamentaryAssembly (AIPA), Hue affirmed. Meanwhile, Zhelyazkovpledged to support Vietnam in cooperation areas with the EU and the EuropeanParliament (EP).
Both leaders held thateconomic cooperation between Vietnam and Bulgaria has made progress over thepast time, and noted their support for the implementation of documents signedbilaterally as well as within the EU framework to improve the trade balance andfoster the economic ties.
They consented to soonorganise the 24th meeting of the inter-governmental committee foreconomic, trade and scientific cooperation, create favourable conditions forproducts of the two countries to access the respective markets, expandcooperation in such fields as processing and manufacturing, high-tech,innovation, health care, pharmaceutical products, and especially economy andlogistics.
Hue thanked the Bulgarian NA for itsapproval of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which took place ahead of his visit, saying it willcreate a firm, favourable legal foundation for businesses of the two countriesto expand their cooperation in the time ahead once the deal comes into force.
Zhelyazkov suggestedthe two sides bring into full play advantages generated by the EVIPA andconsider establishing joint ventures in either Vietnam or Bulgaria to meettheir demand or serve export to a third country.
The leaders shared theview that such traditional, potential cooperation spheres aseducation-training, labour, and tourism, and collaboration between localities shouldbe promoted in the time ahead.
Hue used the occasionto call on the Bulgarian Government and NA to create more favourable conditionsfor nearly 1,000 Vietnamese to live and integrate in the host society.
They said the bilaterallegislative ties are developing fruitfully, and concurred to maintain theexchange of delegations at the high level, as well as between specialisedcommittees and friendship parliamentarians’ groups.
The two legislativebodies should intensify the exchange of information and experience, andcontinue their close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forumslike the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Asia-Europe ParliamentaryPartnership (ASEP), they suggested.
Hue said the VietnameseNA advocates enhancing parliamentary diplomacy and forging bilateral legislativecooperation, while actively participating in regional and international forums.
Regarding regional and international issues, the two leaders stressedthat all conflicts and disputes should be handled by peaceful measures inaccordance with international law and the UN Charter.
Hue suggested Bulgaria continue itssupport for ASEAN’s centrality and stance on the East Sea.
Zhelyazkov saidBulgaria always keeps a close watch on and highly values Vietnam’s position inthe region and ASEAN, as well as the Southeast Asian country’s foreign policy.
Both leaders expressed their belief that the talkswill help consolidate the good political ties between Vietnam and Bulgaria, andupgrade their traditional friendship and cooperation.
On this occasion, Hue invitedZhelyazkov to visit Vietnam. The Bulgarian leader accepted the invitation withpleasure.
Following their talks,they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation betweenthe two legislatures, which takes effect from the date of signing andreplaces the MoU inked on April 16, 2012.
They then witnessed the signing and handover of four cooperationdocuments, including one between the Vietnamese NA Office and the Bulgarian NASecretariat, and the others covering cooperation in culture and tourism, andcollaboration between Vietnam’s Vinh Phuc province, and Pernik province of Bulgaria./.
VNA
