Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân (R) meets her Lao counterpart Pany Yathotou in Hà Nội on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam-Laos parliamentary collaboration helps boost the traditional friendship between the two nations, Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân has said.

Meeting with her Lao counterpart Pany Yathotou in Hà Nội on Thursday, the top legislator spoke highly of the efficiency of conferences held by the two national assemblies, and recommended similar events should be held to increase experience sharing between the two legislative bodies.

Agreeing, Pany Yathotou said that the two parliaments have played an important role in the implementation of high-level agreements between Việt Nam and Laos.

She cited as an example parliamentary co-operation in supervising the handling of free migration along the shared border, expressing her belief that it has created favourable conditions and brought practical benefits to border residents.

Congratulating Việt Nam on taking over Chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2020 and of the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Pany Yathotou said Laos will always support and work with Việt Nam so the country can fulfill its responsibilities.

On the threshold of the Lunar New Year (Tết), the Lao top legislator wished that the Vietnamese Party, State and people will reap further achievements, successfully carry out the resolution adopted at the 12th National Congress of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, and make good preparations for the upcoming congress.

Both leaders acknowledged close co-ordination between the parliaments of Việt Nam and Laos to commend organisations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to friendship between the two countries.

The Lao NA Chairwoman suggested that local people’s councils should also be involved in commendation work.

The two top legislators were unanimous in their desire to promote experience sharing and develop co-operative ties in a more practical fashion.

As Laos is revising its customs laws, it hopes Việt Nam will share experience in the work, Pany Yathotou said, adding the national assemblies should also enhance supervision in mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, especially after the two supreme people’s procuracies signed an agreement in the field.

NA Chairwoman Ngân agreed with her Lao counterpart’s recommendation, saying she will discuss the matters with the Prime Minister, and direct agencies to send experts to help Laos with the revision of its customs law. — VNS