National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue hosts a reception in Hanoi for President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez. (Photo: VOV)

Hue suggested the two sides step up their coordination at multilateral forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other multilateral parliamentary organizations, and support each other’s stance on regional and international issues of shared concern.

The Vietnamese legislature and people are resolved to work together with their Cuban counterparts to cultivate the special relationship, he affirmed, expressing his firm belief that the Cuban people will overcome all challenges to reap greater achievements in the time ahead.

Both leaders spoke highly of all-level delegation exchanges between the two countries and their legislative bodies over the past time, saying after Hue’s official visit to Cuba in April, many agreements between ministries, agencies and businesses of the two countries have been rolled out.

To boost the legislative ties in the coming time, the two sides will continue with mutual visits, especially those by friendship parliamentarians’ groups, and NA agencies. The leaders agreed to organise the meeting of the inter-parliamentary committee next year. Both shared the view that Vietnam and Cuba should enhance collaboration in economy, trade and investment.

Hernandez stressed Cuba attaches importance to promoting economic, trade and investment ties with Vietnam, saying Cuba wishes to welcome Vietnamese businesses to visit and scope out investment opportunities in Cuba.

The Economic Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba also wishes to welcome a delegation from its Vietnamese counterpart to Cuba to exchange working experience, he said. Hue pledged that Vietnam will continue its support to Cuba in ensuring food security, and suggested the two sides further tap their potential, and identify key cooperation areas.

The leaders consented that the two countries should enhance cooperation in agriculture, health care and biology.

President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez presented the National Order of Merit Carlos Manuel de Cespedes to NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on September 27 (Photo: VOV)

The same day, President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez presented the National Order of Merit Carlos Manuel de Cespedes to NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, the Order of Anna Betancourt to former NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and the Order of Solidarity to Permanent Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Man and former Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong.

NA Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong, NA General Secretary and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong, and Chairman of the NA Committee for Foreign Affairs Vu Hai Ha, who is also President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, were honored with the Friendship Medal of Cuba.