(VOVworld)- National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has stressed that Vietnam highly valued and pledged to effectively use Japan’s official development assistance (ODA). At a meeting with Toshihiro Nikai, chairman of the Lower House Budget Committee, in Hanoi on Monday, Hung thanked the government and people of Japan for their valuable assistance to Vietnam, especially their ODA to development projects in the country. He appreciated Japan’s support for Vietnam at international forums, and hoped the parliamentary friendship groups of both countries would maintain visit exchanges to share their experiences and boost cooperation.  The NA chief also proposed that Vietnam and Japan expand cooperation in culture, education, security, national defense, and economics. Regarding the recent tension in the East Sea, both host and guest shared the view that Vietnam and Japan could cooperate closely in maintaining a peaceful environment of peace and cooperation in the region. They also showed their strong resolve to defend national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.