The first consultative meeting of Eurasian parliament speakers took place in Moscow on April 19, aiming to boost parliamentary cooperation between Asian-European countries.
National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu (L).
The event drew speakers from 19 countries in the two continents, including member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu led the Vietnamese delegation.
Participants discussed the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue in Eurasia, which accounts for three quarters of the world’s population and two thirds of global trade turnover, in a bid to expand cooperation in politics, economics, legal and humanitarian issues as well as environmental protection and reinforcement of peace and extremism prevention.
Chairman of the State Duma (Russia’s lower house) Sergey Naryshkin underlined the theme of the meeting, which aims to create a multilateral international cooperation system.
He also passed on the greetings of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the meeting.
Participants also watched a video of a speech made by UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon saying Eurasian parliaments play a crucial role in promoting dialogue, addressing prolonged conflicts and preventing wars.
In his speech, NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu said the meeting helps promote the active role of parliamentary diplomacy in international politics.
He suggested exchanging measures to promote Eurasian connectivity, create an equal and thriving society while sharing values and opportunities for people and ensuring their legitimate rights and freedom.
The legislator also proposed a number of measures to expand Eurasian collaboration and handle issues of bilateral concerns.
The consultation of the Eurasian parliament speakers follows the initiatives of Chairman of the State Duma of Russia Sergey Naryshkin and Speaker of Korean National Assembly Chung Eui-hwa.
The second meeting will be held in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, in 2017.
VNA