Contributing to strengthening and elevating multilateral diplomacy

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man will lead a high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Party and State on an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia and attend the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the 11th Plenary Session of International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) from November 21 to 24.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man. (Photo: nhandan.vn)
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

The visit is made at the invitation of President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian National Assembly Samdech Khuon Sudary, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) Chung Eui-yong.

The visit takes place in the context of sustained and growing Vietnam-Cambodia relations. Party-to-party cooperation continues to play a guiding role in shaping bilateral ties. High-level exchanges have been maintained regularly and key bilateral cooperation mechanisms have proven effective. Defence and security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the relationship, while economic, trade, and investment partnerships have emerged as notable highlights.

Efforts have been made to advance cooperation in transport, education and training, tourism, agriculture, and other sectors. Relations between the legislative bodies of Vietnam and Cambodia have flourished at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Both sides have engaged in comprehensive and effective collaboration, including high-level delegation exchanges, committee-level interactions, and exchanges between Friendship Parliamentary Groups. They have also shared experience, expertise, and professional knowledge in legislation, oversight, and decision-making on national issues.

At inter-parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), both countries have maintained dialogue, consultations, and coordinated stances on regional and international issues of shared interest.

This marks the first official visit to Cambodia by NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man in his role as head of the legislative body. The aim is to implement high-level agreements, strengthen strategic trust, and deepen the relationship between the two nations.

It is hoped that the visit will also usher Vietnam-Cambodia relations into a new phase of development, grounded in equality, mutual benefit, effective cooperation, and respect for each other’s interests.

Through the visit, both sides aim to outline key directions and measures to enhance the effectiveness of their cooperation and create new momentum for economic cooperation and connectivity between the two countries. The visit also provides an opportunity for the legislative bodies of Vietnam and Cambodia to discuss and align themselves on future cooperation directions, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Established in 2000, the ICAPP is the largest international forum of political parties in Asia as well as the world’s largest multilateral political party forum. Its mission is to foster exchanges and cooperation among political parties across Asia and Oceania, enhance understanding and trust between peoples and nations, and promote peace and prosperity through inter-party relations. There are currently over 350 political parties from 52 countries and one territory which are eligible to participate in ICAPP activities.

In recent years, the ICAPP has consistently elevated its stature and influence in the region, asserting its role as a bridge to foster cooperation between Asian political parties and their partners in other regions. The 12th ICAPP General Assembly is held in Cambodia under the theme of "Pursuing Peace and Reconciliation".

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has actively and proactively participated in the ICAPP and is recognised as an important member. The CPV has consistently been entrusted with a seat on the ICAPP’s Standing Committee, playing a significant role in decision-making processes and maintaining a strong voice and influence within the forum.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s attendance at the 12th General Assembly of the ICAPP aims to bolster the Communist Party of Vietnam’s active and constructive participation in the forum. The event also aims to strengthen relations between the CPV and political parties across Asia while contributing to resolving regional issues. This effort further highlights Vietnam's commitment to fostering ties with the Cambodian People's Party and underscores its respect for Cambodia's party and state leadership.

The Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP) was established in 2017, aiming to promote a culture of peace and combat discrimination and violent extremism. Its global headquarters are located in Malta, with regional offices in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific.

The GCTP’s main structures include the General Assembly and the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP). To date, the IPTP has convened 10 plenary sessions and signed cooperation agreements with about 40 national and regional parliaments. It also holds observer status at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Cambodia hosts the GCTP’s Asia-Pacific headquarters and is currently chairing the IPTP for the 2023-2024 term.

This marks the first time Vietnam’s National Assembly has attended an IPTP session, as it is not yet a member of the organisation. As an invited guest, Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s participation in the 11th plenary session of the IPTP demonstrates Vietnam's support and goodwill towards Cambodia, especially during its IPTP presidency. This engagement will further strengthen and develop the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two parliaments and nations.

May the working trip of the high-ranking delegation of Vietnam led by NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man be a success, contributing to underscoring Vietnam’s commitment to implementing the foreign policy outlined at the 13th National Party Congress, including prioritising friendly neighbourly relations with Cambodia. It also aligns with the Directive No. 25-CT/TW of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat, which is aimed at elevating Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy and international integration by 2030.