The statement was made by Chairman of the Irish National Parliament Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pat Breen, at a reception in Hanoi on September 12 by Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

Breen, who is on a five-day working visit to Vietnam beginning on September 12, said the Irish Government will continue to effectively implement assistance projects in Vietnam , in hunger eradication and poverty reduction, education and unexploded ordnance clearance.

Vice NA Chairwoman Ngan thanked the Irish Government for its official development assistance (ODA) capital in national construction and development.

The two sides should promote exchanges between the two countries’ MPs, with a view to consolidating and enhancing mutual understanding and trust, as well as multifaceted and bilateral cooperation, she said.

The NA leader added that both sides should increase investment and trade to match the two countries’ potential.