National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân talks to Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha in Bangkok on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

BANGKOK — National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân met with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha in Bangkok on Tuesday as part of her official visit to Thailand.

Welcoming the top legislator of Việt Nam, PM Chan-o-cha said co-operation between the Thai and Vietnamese governments had helped promote bilateral co-operation mechanisms, particularly the joint cabinet meetings.

To step up the bilateral strategic partnership, the Thai Government hoped Việt Nam would create optimal conditions for Thai investors and banks to operate, he noted.

The Thai PM also suggested the two sides should enhance ties in seaport, fisheries and tourism, as well as the settlement of fishermen-related issues to ensure safety for both countries’ fishermen.

They should work together to seek suitable tourism forms that meet Vietnamese and Thai tourists’ demand while boosting co-operation in tourism by sea and by road – which have so far remained undeveloped in both countries – so as to facilitate travel between the two countries, he added.

Ngân, who was in Thailand also to attend the 40th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), said the Vietnamese National Assembly always supported the two governments’ co-operation, noting that the countries’ strategic partnership is growing well.

The Vietnamese parliament had approved many laws that aim to protect legal interests of and ensure equality between domestic and foreign investors, including those from Thailand, she said, adding that Việt Nam welcomed Thai investment in the fields matching the countries’ demand and strength.

On this occasion, she thanked Thailand for supporting Việt Nam’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2020-21. She also asked Thailand to share experience with Việt Nam when it takes up the roles of Chair of ASEAN and AIPA in 2020.

Echoing the Thai PM’s opinion on the fishermen-related issues, Ngân emphasised the two sides would co-ordinate closely to address the matter in a humanitarian spirit and on the basis of the bilateral friendship.

She also called on Thailand to advocate the peaceful settlement of sea-related disputes in line with international law and join the common voice to help maintain peace in the region and build a united and strong ASEAN with growing stature in the international arena. — VNS