National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung held talks with President of the European Council, Hermen van Rompuy on Wednesday as part of his official visit to Belgium and the European Parliament. The EC leader affirmed that the European Council is making efforts to support Vietnam in economic reforms and weather difficulties. He believed that Vietnam and the EU will become important partners in the near future.

NA Chairman Hung said that Vietnam always considers the EU the top partner in its diplomatic policy. Hung hoped that the EU will continue to provide Vietnam with official development assistance to help the country sustain poverty reduction achievements and restructure the economy.

Earlier, Chairman Hung talked with Speaker of the Belgian House of Representatives, Andre Flahaut in Brussels. He affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Belgium. He also spoke highly of Belgium’s role as a founding country of the European Union and its positive contribution to the Union, expressing his hope that Belgium will continue to support Vietnam in stepping up its comprehensive relationship with the EU.

Chairman Hung suggested the two legislative bodies enhance echanges of delegations at all levels, share experiences in legislative and supervisory activities to consolidate mutual trust and understanding, and support each other at multifaceted forums for peace, national independence, development and social progress. He said the Vietnamese legislature is ready to co-operate with Belgium’s parliament in overseeing the implementation of joint agreements to bring more practical benefits to both countries.

Regarding the Vietnam-Belgium Business Forum held on this occasion, Hung said that Vietnam has always considered foreign direct investment an indispensable part of Vietnam’s economy. “We treasure foreign investment and co-oepration. I invite investors from Belgium and the EU to do business in Vietnam, which offers a hospitable investment environment. The renewal process has made our administration more dynamic and positive. Our legal system has improved for WTO membership and fitted in international norms”, he said.