The National Assembly (NA) concluded the ninth meeting of the 13th legislature in Ha Noi June 26 with a call for stepped up efforts to protect national sovereignty through increased international co-operation.

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung delivers the closing address at the 9th meeting of the 13th legislature in Ha Noi yesterday.

NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung lauded the deputies' effort and dedication that contributed to the success of the meeting.

He said deputies had pointed out limitations and shortcomings in numerous sectors and industries and warned of potential threats to development, especially as national sovereignty, peace, freedom of navigation and aviation were at risk with China's recent large-scale reclamation activities in the East Sea.

"The NA has urged the Government and the country's entire political apparatus to step up efforts to improve the economy's ability to compete, maintain growth, increase co-operation with international communities and speed up the pace of Viet Nam's integration into the global market economy, safeguarding our national sovereignty and independence while maintaining an environment of peace and stability for development," he said.

The NA's latest session, which opened May 20 and concluded yesterday, passed 11 laws and four resolutions and held discussion on 16 legal bills.

"The NA has accomplished its key mission during this meeting, which was to provide the legislative basis required by the country and the State in the spirit of the 2013 Constitution," Hung said.

Deputy Nguyen TienSinh from HoaBinh said the laws passed during this meeting were carefully prepared. The Q&A sessions, where ministers answered questions raised by NA deputies, managed to cover issues of public concern including markets for agricultural products, anti-smuggling operations, educational reform and jobs for undergraduate students.

Sinh said NA deputies were confident that the long and short-term solutions presented by the ministers to address several issues would prove to be effective.

In the afternoon session, 455/460 deputies approved a resolution on measures to reduce the number of wrongful convictions and provide compensation for victims involved.

The resolution highlighted the importance of setting legal guidelines for the criminal investigation and prosecution processes to minimise torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

It also stressed the need to upgrade the country's detention centres and improve the quality of legal services and lawyers to better protect the rights of citizens.

Deputy Truong Minh Hoang from Ca Mau said the ministers' answers during the Q&A sessions demonstrated their understanding of concerns raised by society.

In the morning session, NA deputies voted and appointed fifteen judges of the Supreme People's Court, four of them women.

The fifteen judges and the chief judge of the Supreme People's Court, Truong HoaBinh, form a council tasked with overseeing the court's judicial activities.

NA Chairman Hung congratulated the newly appointed judges and expressed his wishes that they would fulfill the duties entrusted to them by the People, the NA and the State.

"The Supreme People's Court's key missions are to uphold justice, safeguard civil rights and defend the State," said the Chairman.

The NA's ninth meeting passed nine laws, including the Law on Sea and Island Natural Resources and Environment, the Law on State Budget (revised), the Law on State Audit, the Law on Government Organization (revised), the Law on Organisation of Local Governments, the Law on Military Service (revised) and the Labour Safety Law.

VNS