A Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) delegation led by Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong attended the first plenary session of the 131st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on October 13.

On the sidelines of the event, the Vietnamese official also held a number of bilateral meetings with partners to affirm the active role of Vietnam as the host of the 132nd IPU Assembly next year.

Meeting with Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament Saber Chaudhury, Phong highlighted the sound legislative ties between the two countries and spoke highly of Chaudhury’s efforts as a candidate for the IPU President post.

On her part, Chaudhury applauded Vietnam ’s active role at the IPU, which helps the country improve its voice and position in the world arena.

Phong also met heads of delegations from Chile and Uruguay to promote the image of Vietnam to international friends. As the host of the IPU 132, Vietnam hopes to spread a message of peace, democracy, social progress and equality, she said.

Participants at the 131 st IPU Assembly will elect a new IPU President at the end of the event on October 16.-VNA