Vietnam and Indonesia are determined to foster and further develop the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and two parliaments.

The determination was affirmed by Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong and the Speaker of the Indonesia People’s Consultative Assembly (MDR), Taufiq Kiemas, during their talks in Hanoi on December 19.

NA Chairman Trong applauded the MDR Speaker’s first visit to Vietnam , saying that the three-day visit, which takes place on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties, will help strengthen and boost the Vietnam-Indonesia traditional friendship and cooperation.

He expressed thanks to Indonesia for its cooperation with and support for Vietnam during the year it assumed the ASEAN and AIPA Chairs and the country’s attendance at the G20 Summit.

On the occasion, NA Chairman Trong extended deep condolences to the Indonesian State and people over great losses on human and property caused by earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes.

For his part, the MDR Speaker congratulated Vietnam on its successful ASEAN and AIPA presidency. He said he was pleased with fine developments in the bilateral ties, especially in economics, trade and investment.

The two legislators agreed on the strengthening of coordination between the two countries in the ASEAN framework, contributing to joint efforts to build the ASEAN Community by 2015.

They also agreed to boost the implementation of cooperation documents and agreements signed between the two countries.

On the evening of December 19, NA Chairman Trong hosted a banquet for MDR Speaker Taufiq Kiemas and his entourage./.