Vietnamese law-makers hoped to shake hands with their Indian partners on legislative activities to increase mutual understanding, solidarity and political ties between the two countries.

National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong made the remark while meeting with Indian Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) Pallath Joseph Kurien on the sidelines of the 131st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly.

The Vietnamese official suggested enhancing gatherings between the friendship parliamentarian groups to facilitate the implementation of cooperation programmes, agreements and treaties between the two governments to drive the bilateral strategic partnership forward.

She thanked India for supporting Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issues and sustaining bilateral cooperation in oil and gas mining activities there.

For his part, Deputy Chairman Pallath Joseph Kurien highlighted the traditional friendship and strategic cooperative ties which were founded by late President Ho Chi Minh and late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and nurtured by the next generations of leaders and people.

He expressed his pleasure to attend the 132nd IPU Assembly which will be hosted by Vietnam in 2015.

Vietnam and India are working together closely at various forums, especially at the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).-VNA