While receiving Lao ambassador to Vietnam Somphon Synchaleun in Hanoi on October 19, Mr Hung spoke highly of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

He proposed that relevant Vietnamese and Lao agencies coordinate well in organizing events to mark the 50^th anniversary of bilateral friendship in 2012.  

The newly accredited ambassador briefed his host on Laos’ preparations for the anniversary with various practical activities to be held across the country to develop special sentiments between the two nations.

The diplomat said he considers Vietnam his second homeland and will try his best to contribute to bringing the Laos-Vietnam traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation to a new height.

At another meeting for Japanese Ambassador Yasuaki Tanizaki, Chairman Hung said he believes the ambassador will make further contributions to boosting the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership during his term of office in Vietnam.

He appreciated Japan’s continued provision of official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, which focuses on infrastructure development, human resources development, development of support industries, environmental protection and climate change adaptation.

The Chairman expressed his sympathy to the Japanese people over heavy losses caused by the March earthquake and tsunami, and said he believes that the Japanese people will overcome difficulties to move forward.

NA Chairman Hung thanked Japan for providing ODA to Vietnam

He proposed that both countries expand cooperation in the areas of their strength such as national defence and security, and exploitation of sea and island resources for peace and stability in the region and the world.

He also said Vietnam and Japan should work out solutions to ensure safety and efficiency for their cooperation projects, including those to build a nuclear power plant and express railway, and exploit rare earth.

The NA Chairman emphasised the importance of cooperation between the two parliaments, urging the two sides to promote cooperative relations in the coming years.

Ambassador Yasuaki Tanizaki affirmed that Japan will support Vietnam in its process of becoming an industrial nation by 2020.

Japan always maintains its viewpoint of attaching importance to cooperation with Vietnam, including cooperation between the two parliaments, said the diplomat.

He said Japan wants to cooperate with Vietnam in nuclear power and is willing to share experience in the field.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is conducting a pre-feasibility study on the express railway project and will submit it to the National Assembly and the Government for consideration, he said.