National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung’s freshly-ended visit to the US has opened up new prospects in the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership, especially between the two legislatures. Head of the National Assembly (NA)’s Commission for External Relations Tran Van Hang briefed the outcomes of the two-week US visit since August 29 by Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency. As the fourth keynote speaker at the fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament running from August 31-September 2 in New York, Chairman Hung reflected on Vietnam’s preparations to realise the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as the Hanoi Declaration adopted by the 132 nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132) Assembly in the capital city. During the event, Vietnam once again conveyed its intent to befriend countries worldwide as a trustworthy partner and active member of the international community. Parliamentary speakers were impressed by the IPU-132 and Vietnam’s hospitality during the event, Hang said, adding that the Hanoi Declaration will be submitted to the United Nations Summit later this month, specifying initiatives to fulfil the UN sustainable development goals beyond 2015. Following the conference, the Vietnamese leader paid an official visit to the US at the invitation of President pro tempore emeritus of the Senate Patrick Leahy, Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senator John McCain for the first time. The visit aimed to step up the progress of common perceptions and consensus reached by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Barack Obama while elevating ties between the two legislatures. Vietnam and the US share the same goal of joint collaboration towards prosperity, peace and security in the region and the world for the benefit of the two peoples. In face-to-face meetings, Vietnamese and US parliamentary leaders shared key matters involving the strengthening of mutual trust, regional and global developments of shared interest, including maritime security and safety, anti-terrorism and climate change response. On the East Sea issue, the US expressed its support for Vietnam’s position on the settlement of disputes at sea, saying they must be addressed by peaceful means and in line with international law. The NA Chairman asked for stronger coordination across science-technology, trade and investment. The US is currently the seventh largest investor in Vietnam. The two countries’ leaders also agreed to facilitate visits and provide all possible support for business communities to navigate each other’s markets. Host and guest talked extensively about the function, role, position and law-making task of the Vietnamese legislature and judicial affairs in order to fine-tune draft laws involving human and citizen rights. The US Parliament and Government leaders also praised Vietnam’s 2013 Constitution and its enforcement, saying that it is a breakthrough in the country’s international integration. Arriving in Boston city, Massachusetts state, the Vietnamese leader met its Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives as well as professors and managers of Harvard University to explore the possibility of expanding bilateral economic, trade and healthcare ties. During his stay, Chairman Hung also took occasion to visit several US business players and landmark attractions.-VNA