Vietnam always attaches importance to ties with traditional friends, including Poland , affirmed Deputy National Assembly Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong while receiving Jolanta Szczypinska, President of the Poland-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group in Hanoi on Dec. 10.

She highlighted recent positive progress in Vietnam-Poland relations, especially economic and trade cooperation.

Two-way trade value is estimated at over 700 million USD in 2010 and a direct air route connecting Poland and Vietnam was launched this month, helping facilitate the development of bilateral ties.

Vietnam wishes to further strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Poland , especially in shipbuilding and mining, Phong said and also expressed thanks to the Polish government and people for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Poland .

Szczypinska said Vietnam and Poland have maintained and developed fine relationships and agreed that the two countries’ legislative bodies need to increase exchange of delegations and experience sharing.

The Polish legislative body is ready to welcome a delegation from the Vietnamese National Assembly, she said.

During her visit to Vietnam from Dec. 9-15, Jolanta Szczypinska had working sessions with leaders of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry and leaders of Hanoi city and Quang Ninh province./.