House of Reps assures Vietnam of domestication of agreements, deepening of parliamentary cooperation
The House of Representatives would take a critical look at and ensure domestication of protocols and agreements between Nigeria and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has said.
The Speaker also assured Vietnam of Nigeria’s continuous support at international fora, while exploring other socio-economic avenues that would be beneficial to the people of both countries.
Gbajabiamila, who was represented by Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase, spoke on Wednesday while hosting the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Vueng Dih Hue, where he disclosed the desire of the House to smoothen areas of concerns and mutual benefits to the people of both countries.
He said: “This visit is well appreciated being the first of its kind since the beginning of our relationships with Vietnam, and if you recall, Nigeria played a very crucial role during your trying times. This is quite welcome, it shows there’s a reciprocal gesture to what has happened in the past.
“The Speaker has also asked me to let you know that the relationships between our parliament and the parliament of Vietnam should be increased and deepened expecting that the rate of trade and investment would also grow.
“He is well aware that there are many protocols and agreement between the two countries yet to be signed and domesticated, it is hoped that this visit would facilitate the signing of those treaties so that our citizens can benefit from the mutual relationships between our two countries.
“We are willing, as a parliament to ensure that those treaties are considered and give all cooperation necessary to achieve that for better relationships going forward”.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Hue expressed appreciation to Nigeria for all the support received while noting that as a one of the biggest economy and democracy on the continent, Vietnam is desirous of deepening its relationships with Nigeria and its parliament, as the Asian country is on the drive to spread its diplomatic and trading partnership with the rest of Africa.
While commending Nigeria for supporting Vietnamese membership of the United Nation’s (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021, the Deputy Prime Minister said being the largest cashew producer in the world, Vietnam wants to work with Nigeria on the cashew value chain in producing and processing the crop.
Deputy Prime Minister Hue also extended an invitation to the leadership of the House and members for a state visit to Vietnam when other areas of mutual benefits to the people of the two countries would be further explored.