National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has expressed wish to expand cooperation between Vietnamese and Timor Leste legislatures by facilitating visits by high-ranking delegations, including those from NA bodies.

Receiving Timor Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanama Gusmao in Hanoi on September 5, NA Chairman Hung said the exchange of visits help the two sides share legislation experience and work together effectively at regional and global parliamentarian forums.

Vietnam always treasures multifaceted cooperation with Timor Leste within both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, he noted.

The top legislator also suggested the early signing of an agreement on investment protection and encouragement to lay a legal foundation for business cooperation, especially in fields of each side’s strength.

Referring to international relations, the host thanked Timor Leste for backing Vietnam ’s bid for a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 tenure as well as the country’s stance on the East Sea issue.

Gusmao said Timor Leste is implementing the 2011-2016 development scheme which focuses on resources and human development.

As a young nation with a population of 1.2 million, Timor Leste expects to expand cooperation with countries, including Vietnam, to learn from national development experience, he added.

He voiced his hope that Vietnam will support Timor Leste’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), contributing to building a more prosperous community in the future.-VNA