During his talks with New Zealand’s Parliament Speaker Lockwood Smith in Hanoi on April 15, Trong suggested the two parliaments step up exchanging delegations at high and low levels to share experiences in law making, supervising and deciding important issues.

The Vietnamese leader said he hoped New Zealand would assist Vietnam in improving capacity for NA deputies and the two countries would give support to each other at multilateral forums.

Trong expressed thanks to the Government, Parliament and people of New Zealand for their supports and efforts to boost the multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam.

He noted that New Zealand gave early support to Vietnam’s joining the World Trade Organisation and recognition of its market economy.

New Zealand’s ODA capital has effectively contributed to Vietnam’s development, particularly in its countryside. The bilateral cooperation also blossomed in the education field, with more than 1,500 Vietnamese students studying in New Zealand.

Speaker Lockwood Smith applauded the suggestions of the Vietnamese leader, expressing his hope that parliamentarians’ friendship groups of the two countries would expand their activities to help bolster the relations between the two countries and two parliaments.

He affirmed New Zealand would continue its support to Vietnam and wished that Vietnam would also support his country at international forums.

During the talks, the two leaders discussed measures to boost the bilateral ties in the future. They exchanged views on the two parliaments’ operation and roles in making important decisions related to the socio-economic development, especially measures to curb economic downturn and overcome the global financial crisis.

Speaker Lockwood Smith praised Vietnam’s efforts in maintaining growth rates, saying Vietnam is one of 12 countries in the world and the only four countries in Asia still making growth.

The speaker and his entourage arrived in Hanoi on April 15 for a five-day official visit./.