(VOVworld) – National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung on Monday arrived in Bangkok, beginning his official visit to Thailand. After the welcoming ceremony, Chairman Hung and President of Thailand’s National Assembly Somsak Kiatsuranon co-hosted talks between the two countries’ delegations. Hung said the Vietnamese National Assembly supports the upgrading of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, an important step to developing their relationship. President Kiatsuranon suggested that the two governments and NAs continue to cooperate for mutual prosperity and for regional peace, stability and development. Both sides agreed to continue the exchanges of visits and boost the activities of their Friendship Parliamentary Groups.

On Monday morning, Hung met the President of Thailand’s Senate Nikom Wiratpannich. Hung reiterated that Vietnam treasures its friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Thailand and that this visit helps promote cooperation between the two legislative bodies and open new prospects for the relationship between the two countries. Wiratpanich said Vietnam and Thailand need to continue upholding their important role of co-ordinating activities within ASEAN.

In the afternoon, during a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, NA Chairman Hung welcomed Thailand’s initiatives to boost bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. He said Vietnam is confident that Thailand as a coordinator of ASEAN-China relations will contribute to cooperation between the two sides, especially in maritime cooperation. Hung urged the Thai government to continue supporting Overseas Vietnamese, including granting Thai citizenship to them.

PM Shinawatra said upgrading bilateral ties in the context of the global economic recession is necessary to boost mutual development and regional growth. She expressed her hope that the two legislative bodies increase exchanges of visits, experience sharing and support for government cooperative ties for the benefit of both nations.

Later, Hung received President of the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association. He expressed his hope that the Association will continue its role promoting bilateral ties, helping Overseas Vietnamese integrate into local society and encouraging businesses investment.

In the evening, Hung was given a banquet hosted by Thai National Assembly President Kiatsuranon.