The close relations between Vietnam and India in general and between their legislative bodies in particular will continue to develop as signed agreements open up great potential for cooperation.

The statement was made by Vice NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in an interview she granted to Lok Sabha Television of India ’s House of People, on February 22.

Asked about the past wars and Vietnam ’s secrets in economic development, Ngan affirmed all resistance wars in Vietnam were to regain independence, freedom and the right to self-determination.

“And now Vietnam needs peace for national development,” she stressed, adding that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people have been doing their utmost to overcome war aftermaths.

She noted that Vietnam has followed a socialist-oriented market economy and mobilised the strength of the entire nation and all economic resources for development, which are the main factor behind its achievements in the renewal process.

The senior Vietnamese legislator affirmed that the Vietnamese government has always paid due attention to improving the living standards of people of all strata, especially the poor, and worked to make the society fairer through social welfare systems.

Vietnam ’s efforts in poverty reduction have been applauded by international organisations, she said.

Regarding Vietnamese women’s role and gender equality, Ngan affirmed that gender equality is stipulated in the Constitution and laws of Vietnam .

Vietnamese women have participated in various social activities, with many of them holding important posts in the National Assembly, State, Party and Government, she said, adding that women make up 24.4 percent in the Vietnamese NA.

Later on the day, the NA Vice Chairwoman met with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in India .

During her stay, Ngan witnessed the opening session of the Indian Parliament, met with Speaker of the House of People Meira Kumar, Chairman of the Council of States and Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and representatives of the India-Vietnam Friendship Association.

She also visited India ’s NA Parliament Museum and a number of cultural and historical sites in the country.-VNA