Seminar highlights NA’s role in diplomacy

Vinh Phuc (VNA) – Parliamentary diplomacy has significantly contributed to implementing the Party and State’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, thus improving Vietnam’s prestige in the region and the world.

The statement was made by National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien at a seminar on the legislature’s role in State diplomacy, organised by the NA Committee for External Affairs and German think tank Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on August 23.

According to him, the Vietnamese legislative body has established ties with 140 parliaments and joined many inter-parliamentary cooperation organisations worldwide.

Parliamentary diplomacy has become an integral part of the Party and State’s diplomatic work, effectively supporting State diplomacy, he affirmed.

Doctor Dirk Toornstra from Belgium’s Global Partners Governance said foreign policy is important to every country.

It is necessary for parliaments to consider the demands of the people when participating in foreign policy, he suggested.

At the event, delegates discussed ways to intensify the role of the NA in the State’s diplomatic activities, and exchanged views on legislative work and supervision over the implementation of international treaties.-VNA