At a reception for Lithuanian ambassador Lina Antanaviciene in Hanoi on February 22, NA Chairman Hung congratulated Lithuania on its socio-economic achievements in recent years, saying that he is delighted with the fine development of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Lithuania.

Bilateral trade between the two countries is still far from matching its potential, therefore, they need to build an inter-government mechanism for trade and economic cooperation, aiming to further boost bilateral ties in this field, said Mr Hung.

The Vietnamese NA leader said he hopes the Lithuanian ambassador will act as a bridge and improve cooperative efficiency between the two countries, adding that the two governments should promote the exchange of visits by senior delegations, and groups of members of parliament, ministries, sectors and localities, to enhance mutual understanding and facilitate the development of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Mrs Antanaviciene said that through the long-established traditional relations, many Luthianian people understand Vietnamese language and culture, and Vietnamese people also. The counties have maintained relations in politics, economics, culture and social affairs.

She said the two countries need to work out a joint cooperation plan with the aim of boosting socio-economic development for mutual benefit, and agreed with Mr Hung’s proposal to increase bilateral cooperation in joint programmes and projects.

Mrs Antanaviciene said she hopes to receive support and favourable conditions from relevant Vietnamese agencies for her efforts to foster the friendship between the two countries.

On the occasion, NA Chairman Hung expressed his best wishes and conveyed an invitation to visit Vietnam to the Lithuanian parliament speaker.