Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations Tran Van Hang hosted a reception for Hossein Sobhaninia, a member of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly Presiding Board and Chairman of the Iran-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, in Hanoi on November 19.

The Vietnamese official spoke highly of the joint efforts undertaken by the two countries’ parliamentary friendship groups, which helped strengthen cooperation between the two legislatures.

He reiterated Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversification and multilateralisation of international relations; its dedication to being a friend and trustworthy partner for all countries; and being an active and responsible member of the international community.

Hossein Sobhaninia said legislative cooperation was a channel for fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, adding that the Iran-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group organised a number of joint activities between the two countries.

He highlighted that the two nations could support each other in all fields, adding that Iran’s location in West Asia meant it could act as a bridge between Vietnam and European, African and Middle Eastern countries. In return, Vietnam could be a gateway for Iran to enter Southeast Asia.

During their meeting, the two officials expressed their hope that the two sides continue delegation and people-to-people exchanges in order to improve mutual understanding and assist each other in the international arena.

Since economic cooperation was still modest, the countries should also promote cooperation on agriculture, science and technology, and education and training, and organise more forums for the two business circles to expand their linkages, they said.-VNA