(VOVworld) – National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung on Monday hosted a welcoming ceremony for the Republic of Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Kang Chang Hee, who is visiting Vietnam until Wednesday. Hung said the visit illustrates the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea and strengthens friendship and cooperation between the two National Assemblies: “Reviewing 20 years of Vietnam-Republic of Korea relations, we have taken firm steps to higher and higher levels, from establishing diplomatic ties to a strategic partnership. The two NAs have exchanged visits of delegations. We think the Vietnam-Republic of Korea relationship is better now than it has ever been. This visit to Vietnam by the NA Speaker, his wife and his entourage is helping to forge closer ties between the two nations and deepen our cooperation”.

Later on, the two leaders co-chaired talks between the two National Assembly delegations. Chairman Hung suggested that the two countries maintain regular exchanges of activities to boost mutual understanding and trust, creating momentum for closer bilateral ties. He expressed his hope that the Korean National Assembly will urge the Korean Government to expand ODA for Vietnam, particularly in infrastructure construction. Hung pledged that the Vietnamese NA will tighten checks and supervision so that ODA will be used as effectively as possible.

Kang said Seoul is ready to share with Vietnam its experiences in economic and industrial development. He said the Republic of Korea hopes to promptly sign a freed trade agreement with Vietnam which will help improve bilateral ties. Kang also pledged Seoul’s cooperation with Vietnam’s National Assembly in sharing legislative experience. He added that the Korean National Assembly is making efforts to ensure the rights of foreign brides, including those from Vietnam.

On Monday, Kang met with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who said Vietnam treasures and wants to reinforce its relationship with the Republic of Korea. He suggested an expansion of cooperation in building institutions, upgrading infrastructure, and developing human resources.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received the Korean Speaker and affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy, together with the Republic of Korea, to deepen their relationship for the practical interests of both nations as well as international peace, stability, cooperation, and development. Prime Minister Dung said the Vietnamese government will offer favorable conditions to Korean businesses for long-term and effective investment in Vietnam. He expressed his hope that the Republic of Korea will support peace and stability in the East Sea and the resolving of disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means based on international law.