(VNA - 17/01/2012) - Viet Nam always attaches importance to strengthening and developing the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with China for the mutual benefits of both sides as well as peace and development of the region.

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung made that statement while receiving Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam Kong Xuanyou in Ha Noi on Jan. 16.

Hung said that both sides should boost the implementation of joint agreements signed by high- ranking leaders and strive to maintain and develop the invaluable asset which in this case is the long- lasting friendship between two countries.

Agreeing with the ambassador’s suggestion that the two countries should tighten their partnership to cope with global – scale challenges together, Hung said Viet Nam and China should promote their partnership at provincial level, particularly in provinces on the shared border.

Ambassador Kong said the two countries should strengthen solidarity and address the issues on which the two sides hold different perspectives and cooperate to cope with challenges from outside while lifting relations between the two countries to a new height.

He expressed his wish that both sides will advance the exchange of visits between legislative bodies.

The same day, NA Chairman Hung received the United Nation Resident Co-ordinator in Viet Nam, Pratibha Mehta.

Hung expressed his belief that with her capacity and reputation, Mehta will help strengthen the partnership between Vietnam and UN agencies.

He said as part of the country’s comprehensive reform and in implementing its commitments to the international community, the National Assembly is undertaking studies to make necessary amendments to the Constitution that will better serve the new period of development.

“The National Assembly is striving to refine its constitutional framework to make it easier for deeper integration into the global economy”, he said.

Hung said the assembly is also working toward strengthening its supervisory role and helping to execute important national programmes while boosting partnership with foreign counterparts.

For her part, Mehta said she is glad to see a tighter and more efficient partnership between the United Nations and Vietnam.

She said Vietnam has made much progress toward hitting the Millennium Development Goals. She affirmed that the United Nations will support Viet Nam in poverty reduction process, constitutional reform and other legal activities./.