Vietnam and Egyptian parliaments strengthen ties
Vietnam and Egypt have agreed to boost co-operation between their two parliaments as well as bilateral co-operation in every field for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The agreement was reached at a meeting in Egypt between a delegation from the Vietnam National Assembly headed by Nguyen Van Son, chairman of NA Committee for External Relations Affairs and the leaders of the Egypt’s Lower House and Upper House and Foreign Ministry.
When he met with the Egyptian parliamentary leaders, Mr Son praised Egypt’s role and position in the Middle East and its support for Vietnam during the country’s past struggle for national defence. He underlined that Egypt and Vietnam have a positive relationship.
Mr Son proposed that both parliaments strengthen their ties by increasing the frequency of top level exchange and by supporting each other at international parliament forums.
As ASEAN president, Vietnam is willing to help Egypt foster its political and economical ties with other ASEAN countries, said Mr Son. Trade value between the two countries still remains low and far from meeting their potential. Mr Son proposed that the Egyptian parliament approve a double tax avoidance agreement to enable businesses from the two countries to seek out investment opportunities.
Regarding the current situation in Middle East, Mr Son reaffirmed that Vietnam supports the peace process and implementation of Israel – Palestine two states solution to ensure stable and peaceful Middle East.
The Chairman of the Upper House’s Foreign Relations Committee, Mohamed Al Aziz Basuni said that he wants to boost co-operation with Vietnam in a number of areas.
At the Lower House’s Foreign Relations Committee, Chairman Mohamed Khalil Quetta and several members expressed their admiration for Vietnam’s struggle for national independence under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh. They praised Vietnam’s renewal and international integration process, as well as its support for the Middle East’s peace process.
Mr Mohamed said that the two countries should step up co-operation as Egypt offers numerous incentives to Vietnamese investors.
Later the same day, Mr Son held met with Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister, Mohamed Kamel who praised relations between the two countries and said that both foreign ministries have cemented ties by senior level exchanges and holding business forums in recent years.