NA Vice Chairwoman calls on Asian countries to forge links

Phnom Penh (VNA) – Vietnamese National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong called on Asian countries to enhance cooperation to promote peace, security and cope with common challenges while delivering a speech at the 9th Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) Plenary (APA-9) in Cambodia on November 29.

Asian countries should continue to build and reinforce trust, increase mutual understanding, and address disputes and differences via peaceful means, dialogues and negotiations based on fundamental principles of international law and the respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, the NA Vice Chairwoman said.

She also emphasized that the connection of Asian people with the rest of the world is crucial for creating a peaceful and prosperous continent.

At national level, Asian countries should reform growth models and restructure the economy to obtain sustainable development and ensure greater harmony between economic growth, social progress and equality, and environmental and natural resources protection, she added.

The representatives of the people should continue to push governments to take responsibility for committed targets while adopting appropriate laws and budget and ensuring the legitimate interests of citizens as well as expanding regional, inter-regional and global relations, she recommended.

The Vietnamese parliamentary leader called attention to issues that are important to build APA into an efficient inter-parliamentary organisation, which include reshuffling APA structure and activities; renewing its agenda and promoting measures to prevent potential conflicts; and enhancing relations and interaction between APA and governments of member nations.

She suggested increasing the involvement of citizens in national development, calling it the primary condition to ensure democracy and bring peace, stability for countries and regions across the globe.

The legislator also called for promoting exchanges between APA member parliaments to increase their mutual understanding and trust and deepen friendship among nations.

As one of the founders of APA, Vietnam has pursued a consistent diplomatic policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations with foreign nations, she affirmed.

Vietnam has also proactively and actively integrated into the world, and the country is a reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, she said.

The Vietnamese National Assembly is willing to cooperate with APA member parliaments to build an Asia of peace and sustainable development.

At the APA-9, which is due to wind up on December 1, participants are discussing 21 draft resolutions on key regional issues.

On the sidelines of the event, NA Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong met with President of Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin, during which both sides expressed their wish to consolidate and develop the two countries’ traditional friendship and solidarity.-VNA