NA Chairman delivers keynote policy speech in Sofia university
Sofia (VNA) – National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue delivered a
keynote policy speech before scholars, lecturers and a large gathering of
students at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia on September
25.
In his
speech, Hue said with similarities in history, Vietnam and Bulgaria have forged
a steadfast and enduring friendship. President Ho Chi Minh's friendly visit to
Bulgaria in August 1957 laid the foundation and marked a significant milestone
in the history of bilateral relationship.
He stressed that the Vietnamese people always remember and are
deeply grateful for the valuable support and assistance that the people of Bulgaria have extended to
Vietnam.
According to him, the world has never experienced a period of such rapid, profound, and
complex changes as it is facing today. However, peace, cooperation and
development are still the mainstream.
Vietnam
supports the settlement of all disputes and conflicts via peaceful means in
accordance with international law, he said, adding that Vietnam actively joins and
upholds its role in various regional and United Nations multilateral mechanisms,
especially ASEAN, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the United
Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Asia-Europe
Meeting (ASEM), the Non-Aligned Movement, and others. Vietnam responsibly
contributes to the building of a peaceful, stable international order that meets
the legitimate interests of all nations, based on respect for international law
and the UN Charter.
In Vietnam’s foreign policy, Hue described the Central and Eastern Europe as a
gateway and bridge for Vietnam to enhance cooperation with the EU.
Vietnam
prioritises strengthening its traditional friendship and multifaceted
cooperation with countries in the region, with Bulgaria being one of its top
priority partners, he said, adding that Vietnam advocates expanding economic,
investment and trade ties into a pivotal pillar in the bilateral ties in the near
future.
He added that
both countries need to grasp major opportunities presented by digital
transformation, green economy, and innovation trends. They should expedite
collaborative initiatives and new economic cooperation at global and regional levels.
Furthermore, there should be continued efforts to step up the development of a
more equitable and sustainable global framework for all countries and economies.
To intensify
effective cooperation in traditional areas, he proposed enhancing collaboration
in training and scientific research between universities and research centres,
focusing on fields of Bulgaria's strength and Vietnam's need, such as health care,
biotechnology, agriculture, environment, and natural resource management.
In the realm of culture, he sought for joint work to hold cultural
and music activities such as culture days, painting exhibitions, film weeks, music
performances to enable the public in both countries to gain a better understanding
of each other's culture.
Regarding labour cooperation,
both nations will work to effectively implement the Labour Cooperation
Agreement signed in 2018, with coordination from their respective governments.
After delivering the speech, Hue engaged in
an open discussion with professors and students at the University of National
and World Economy in Sofia, during which he shared Vietnam's experiences in
overcoming challenges following the war and achieving comprehensive and
remarkable accomplishments. He also discussed the most promising areas for
future cooperation between Vietnam and Bulgaria./.