The parliaments of Vietnam and Thailand need to increase the exchange of legislative experience and information on economics, trade, investment and socio-culture, said a top legislator.

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung made the suggestion at his talks with President of the Senate of Thailand Teeradej Meepien, in Hanoi on Dec. 23.

He also suggested the promotion of bilateral cooperation in regional and international frameworks, such as the Non-Aligned Movement, ASEAN, the Asia-Europe Meeting, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the East Asia Summit and the Greater Mekong Subregion.

The Vietnamese leader said the two countries should work more closely on the issue of Mekong River water resources and the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, to ensure peace and stability in the East Sea.

The two parliaments need to closely coordinate in supervision activities to accelerate programmes and projects between the two countries, as well as exchange visits of delegations at all levels including parliamentarians, contributing to fostering friendship between the Vietnam National Assembly and the Thai Senate and the two peoples, he said.

At the talks, Chairman Hung said he was happy with the growing multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries and thanked the King, parliament, government and people of Thailand for their creation of favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese to live and work in Thailand.

He expressed his sympathy to the Thai people over heavy losses of humans and property caused by recent floods. He said he hoped the Thai government and people would soon overcome the effects of the natural disaster.

In return, Thai Senate President Teeradej Meepien said his visit aims to boost ties between the two parliaments and foster friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Thai Senator thanked the Vietnamese National Assembly, Government and people for providing support to the Thai people in overcoming consequences of the recent floods.

He affirmed the continuity of support and favourable conditions for Vietnamese people living, working and studying in Thailand.

Host and guest agreed that the two legislative bodies should further their linkages in all fields, especially in external relations.

The Thai Senator took this opportunity to invite Chairman Hung to visit Thailand and the invitation was accepted with pleasure./.