Hanoi (VNA) – Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man on July 24 received President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines, who is in Vietnam to attend the funeral for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

Thanking Lines for representing leaders of the Australian State, Government, and Parliament to attend the funeral, Man considered this as a demonstration of their sincere sentiments towards the late leader as well as good relations between the two countries.

He noted that the passing of General Secretary Trong is not only a great loss to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people but also leaves an endless grief among international friends, including Australian leaders and people.

Highlighting the Party chief’s contributions to Vietnam’s national development and external relations, Man said that while serving as the NA Chairman, Trong paid an official visit to Australia, and the trip heralded a new chapter in the bilateral parliamentary ties. He also made practical contributions to the elevation of the two countries’ relations and the enhancement of parliamentary connections.

During his meetings with Australian leaders, and recently with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, General Secretary Trong affirmed that he attached importance to and supported the Vietnam - Australia relations to develop more strongly, practically, and comprehensively, he said.

The top legislator emphasised the two countries’ good relations for the last more than 50 years with the recent establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership. The cooperation between the Vietnamese NA and the Australian Parliament has also been growing well in bilateral aspects and at multilateral parliamentary forums.

The two sides should continue increasing meetings and high-level mutual visits between their parliamentary leaders and parliamentarians in the time ahead, he suggested.

Man expressed his hope that Lines will pay an official visit to Vietnam soon to discuss cooperation between the two countries and between their legislative bodies, along with issues of shared concern, thereby strengthening political trust and mutual understanding and turning parliamentary cooperation into a true pillar of the bilateral relations.

Offering condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, Lines said she always appreciates General Secretary Trong’s extremely valuable dedications to the Vietnam - Australia ties.

The Senate President pledged to work harder to contribute more to the bilateral relationship, adding that she hopes the two sides will bolster partnerships in such fields as economy, trade, climate change response, education, and training in the coming time./.