Vietnam is looking forward to the participation of all members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at its 132nd Assembly to be held in Hanoi from March 28 to April 1, said Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations Tran Van Hang.

The IPU-132, themed “Sustainable Development Goals: Turning Words into Action”, is a major parliamentary diplomatic event which will be attended by nearly 2,000 delegates from 150 countries and international organisations, said Hang, who is also the Permanent Deputy Head of the IPU-132’s organising board, at a meeting on February 6 with heads of foreign diplomatic agencies and organisations.

It will offer an opportunity for Vietnam to carry out numerous bilateral and multilateral diplomatic activities with global partners and present the country’s socio-economic achievements after 30 years of ‘doi moi’ (reform).

Deputy Foreign Minister and Deputy Head of the organising board Ha Kim Ngoc said Vietnam attaches the utmost importance to the IPU-132, which is a critical component of the country’s international integration policy.

It will help Vietnam establish itself as an active and responsible member of the international community and demonstrate its willingness to promote peace, democracy, friendship, and cooperation, he added.

The official also asked diplomatic representatives to send invitations to the leaders of their countries’ parliaments to confirm their participation.

Vice Chairman of the External Relations Committee Vu Hai Ha, Head of the IPU-132’s Secretariat, assured participants that preparations for the events are nearly complete.

On this occasion, a photo exhibition on Vietnam’s ethnic groups will take place from March 28 to April 19 at the Culture - Tourism Village of Vietnamese ethnic groups in Hanoi, aiming to popularise the country’s images to the international community.