The NA Committee for External Relations held its 19th session in Hanoi on April 20 to hear reports on external activities and discuss issues of importance to voters.

The National Assembly (NA) deputies highlighted the Foreign Ministry’s contributions in helping to increase the effectiveness of the relationship between Vietnam and other countries, and international and regional organisations as well as its role and position in the international arena.

The Foreign Ministry has actively assisted the NA in its external activities, they said.

The ministry’s leaders and NA deputies discussed issues of voters’ concern, focusing on the global economy and its impact on Vietnam , the national economic recovery and trade balance in the country’s relations with other countries.

The participants reached consensus on the signing and ratification of the Hague Convention of May 29 1993 on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect to Inter-country Adoption.

The consideration to allow the adoption of Vietnamese children by foreigners will create a better life for children. About 27 percent of Vietnam ’s total population of more than 85 million are children aged under 14.

Vietnam is among 64 countries that ratified the Hague Convention on May 29, 1993.

During the two-day session, the participants will hear reports on the country’s activities during Vietnam’s year as Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and preparations for the 31st AIPA General Assembly in September along with the celebrations of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi./.