~ Le Viêt Nam, aujourd'hui. ~
The Vietnam News

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Vietnam and Belgium boost legislative co-operation

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong said, on February 26, that Vietnam wishes to study law-making experiences from Belgium in general and its region of Wallonie in particular. The legislative leader made the affirmation while receiving Jose Happart, President of the Regional Parliament of Wallonie, who is in Vietnam for a 7-day visit beginning on February 22.

Chairman Trong stressed Vietnam's consistent policy of openness, diversification and multilateralisation, further saying that the country always appreciates co-operative ties with all countries. President Happart said Wallonie is willing to co-operate with Vietnam for mutual benefit and affirmed that the region is a reliable friend and partner of the country. Happart expressed his wish for Vietnam to act as a gateway to the Asian market for companies from Belgium as well as Wallonie. He continued that Belgium is willing to help Vietnam penetrate into Europe.

Vietnam should prioritise human development rather than pay too much attention to economic growth, the visiting president said, citing this as a reason why Belgium and Wallonie attach importance to developing co-operative ties in health care and education with Vietnam. Earlier the same day, Vu Mao, chairman of the NA's Committee for External Affairs, and President Happart held talks, discussing measures to strengthen co-operation between the two legislative bodies as well as their mutual understanding.

While in Vietnam, the delegation of the Regional Parliament of Wallonie worked with various local authorities, ministries and agencies and visited health care, educational and scientific institutions.

Vietnam News Agency - February 27, 2007.