Mr Hung made the recommendation during talks with President of the Senate of Thailand Teeradej Meepien, who is paying an official visit to Vietnam, in Hanoi on December 23.

The NA Chairman praised Mr Meepien’s visit, saying it demonstrates the fine relationship between the two countries, and said he believes that it will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations and the two legislative bodies.

He also extended his sympathy for the tragedy caused by recent floods in Thailand, saying he hopes the Thai Government and people will be able to overcome the aftermath to achieve national development targets.

The chief legislator expressed his delight at the positive development of Vietnam-Thailand multifaceted cooperation in recent times and thanked the Thai King, Government, and people for helping overseas Vietnamese in Thailand integrate into their new community.

He proposed the two countries promote cooperation in regional and international frameworks such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, ASEAN, Asia-Europe Meeting, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the East Asia Summit, the Greater Mekong Subregion, and the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy.

Vietnam and Thailand should closely coordinate in using water resources in the Mekong River and boosting implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea in order to ensure peace and stability in the region, he said.

He also asked the two legislatures to cooperate in supervision activities, effectively implement their cooperation projects and increase the exchange of high-ranking delegations and parliamentarians, so as to promote the friendship between Vietnam and Thailand.

For his part, Thai Senate President Meepien reaffirmed that his visit aimed to foster bilateral cooperation between the Thai Parliament and the Vietnamese National Assembly.

He congratulated Vietnam on the recent successful elections to the 13^th NA and said he is pleased with the progress of cooperation projects.

The President expressed appreciation to the Vietnamese NA, Government, and people for helping Thailand repair the damage caused by recent floods.

Mr Meepien also recommended closer cooperation in external relationship between the two legislative bodies.

He also took the opportunity to invite NA Chairman Hung to visit Thailand. Mr Hung accepted it with pleasure.