Chairman V. Andreichenko made the statement during his talks with Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong following a welcome ceremony in Hanoi on the afternoon of October 19.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus always attaches importance to the development of its relationship with the Vietnamese NA and highlights the contributions by the two countries’ parliamentarian friendship groups to promoting the friendship and cooperation between the two legislatures and countries, said Chairman Andreichenko.

Andreichenko, who has arrived in Hanoi for a four-day visit, congratulated Vietnam for its great achievements in national construction and development and its rising international position and role, especially in the Asia-Pacific region and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Chairman Trong highly valued the significance of Chairman Andreichenko’s first visit to Vietnam, expressing his belief that the visit would make important contributions to boosting the traditional friendship and all-around cooperation between the two countries and legislative bodies.

Having noted the fine development of the two parliaments’ cooperation, the Vietnamese legislative chief said that the Vietnamese NA, the supreme organ of state power, was conducting a renovation in organisation and operation towards more democracy and efficiency.

He said he hoped the cooperation and exchanges between the Vietnamese legislature and the Belarusian House of Representatives will be effectively developed.

Vietnam highly appreciates Belarusian consideration and hope for strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties with ASEAN, Chairman Trong said, adding that Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge for Belarus to develop its relations with ASEAN nations.

The two chairmen agreed that Vietnam-Belarus economic and trade ties have not matched their potential, citing a two-way trade turnover of just US$120 million in 2009.

Much needs to be done to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation, on the basis of exploring each country’s potential and advantage, they said.

The two sides need more efforts to overcome difficulties to increase two-way trade value in the future as outlined in their signed agreements, along with expanded investment cooperation in both countries, according to the two chairmen.

They also agreed to facilitate business cooperation between enterprises of both countries.
Chairman Trong asked Belarus to consider the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with Vietnam.
On this occasion, he also thanked Belarus for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community there.

Both Chairman Trong and Chairman V. Andreichenko agreed that the two legislative bodies would actively implement signed cooperative agreements, oversee the implementation of cooperative agreements and documents between the two governments and support cooperation between localities and business circles of the two countries.

The two sides will continue to exchange delegations, share experiences on legislation and supervision and strengthen cooperation at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums.