Addressing the first plenary session at the third Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments (MSEAP 3) in Antalya, Turkey, on October 9, Chairwoman Kim Ngan stressed that during the one year since the 2nd MSEAP, the world has seen numerous changes in both political and economic spheres. Despite some recovery, the world economy is facing many challenges, especially trade war, protectionism and geo-political instability in some regions. Meanwhile, the political situation witnessed complicated developments, with disputes, terrorism, violent extremism, trans-national crime, cyber security and climate change seriously threatening peace, stability and sustainable development of many countries. 

In such context, the world acknowledged efforts to maintain peace and cooperation to eliminate hot spots in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, along with initiatives to utilize scientific-technological achievements to take humankind into a new stage of development, she said, adding that it meets the aspiration and interests of the people who parliamentarians represent. 

Ngan stressed that economic cooperation on the basis of mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and mutual benefits is an important condition to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for addressing challenges and striving for sustainable development. At the same time, economic development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, adaptation to climate change and alleviation risks of natural disasters. 

Vietnam always actively participates in parliamentary diplomacy in the region and the world, she said. 

“We are ready to coordinate to connect the Eurasian parliamentary cooperation with inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanisms such as IPU, AIPA and APPF, thus expanding our working agenda towards the effective implementation of the Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development,” she said.   

Sharing that Vietnam is continuing with international integration, Chairwoman Ngan said Vietnam wants to cooperate more closely with Eurasian countries across the fields, particularly in innovation, digital technology, smart connectivity and inclusive and sustainable development. 

She proposed further strengthening Eurasian cooperation, intensifying regional and inter-regional economic connectivity, and promoting multilateral trade globally on the basis of mutual benefits and international law. 

The Vietnamese parliamentary leader also recommended promoting Eurasian cooperation in technology transfer, environmental protection and response to climate change. Developed countries should uphold their pioneering role in helping developing nations, including Vietnam, realise sustainable goals. 

She voiced support of Eurasian countries’ efforts to build the Eurasian parliamentary cooperation mechanism into a strong and more close-knit forum, and expand linkage with other inter-parliamentary forums and organisations in the world in order to enhance parliamentary diplomacy. 

She also mentioned the need to build trust, mutual understanding and respect, settle disputes by peaceful measures, abide by international law and cooperate for sustainable development goals, thus bringing peace, stability and prosperity for every one. 

The NA Chairwoman concluded the speech with support for the reform of global governance mechanism towards more equality, democracy and efficiency, in line with the change in power balance and the increasing role of developing economies.-VNA