Ha Noi, Nov. 15 (VNA) - National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An welcomed a delegation of the Czech Chamber of Deputies led by its Vice Chairperson Vojtech Filip in Ha Noi on Monday.

He took the occasion to congratulate the Czech Republic on its recent admission to the European Union and the Asia-Europe Meeting, as well as its socio-economic and political achievements.

An said that Viet Nam attaches tremendous importance to friendship and cooperation with traditional friendly countries, including the Czech Republic. However, he regreted that trade and investment ties between the two countries do not match their strong political relations and wishes. The Vietnamese NA leader said there are many favourable conditions for Viet Nam and the Czech Republic to boost their economic cooperation, as the Czech Republic is strong in industry and human resource training, which are priority areas in Viet Nam's process of national industrialisation and modernisation.

The Vice Chairperson of the Czech Chamber of Deputies expressed the wish that the two countries increase mutual visits by high-level delegations to seek measures to further boost cooperation. He said the Czech Republic and Viet Nam can work together in energy, accurate mechanics, environmental protection, science and technology, and especially education and training.

Earlier the same day, National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen Van Yeu held talks with the Czech legislative leader. They discussed experiences of each country's legislation in dealing with issues relating to the economy, the budget, and the law-building work.

The two sides affirmed the policy of developing the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. They agreed on the need to establish concrete mechanisms to facilitate contacts and cooperation between businesses of the two countries, in order to lift economic ties to a higher level. Preparations to establish a Czech Friendship Centre in Viet Nam were also discussed at the talks.

Also on Monday, Vice Chairperson of the Czech Chamber of Deputies Vojtech Filip and his entourage attended the plenary session of the Vietnamese National Assembly.

The same day, Chairman of the NA Office Bui Ngoc Thanh met Head of the Office of the Czech Chamber of Deputies Petr Kynster to discuss measures to promote contacts between the two offices.

During their visit from Nov. 14-20, the Czech legislative delegation plans to visit a number of localities including the central cities of Hue and Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the southern provinces of An Giang and Ben Tre.