Addressing the opening session, National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan warmly welcomed participants to the events, which saw the participation of delegates from APF and its chapters, those from the International Francophone Organisation (OIF), ambassadors from member countries of OIF in Vietnam, chief representatives of international organisations in Hanoi, and Vietnamese parliamentarians.
According to the Vietnamese top legislator, the APF is a gathering place for French-speaking parliamentarians with the goal of pushing governments to move forward with aspirations for global peace and stability.
Vietnam appreciates the APF’s role in international activities through initiating and implementing inter-parliamentary cooperation programmes; strengthening friendship and solidarity between parliaments; and contributing to the growing development of parliamentary diplomatic activities to improve the position and voice of parliamentarians in regional and international issues, she said.
Vietnam has consistently implemented a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development; the diversification and multilateralisation of international relations; active international integration; and being a friend, trusted partner, and responsible member of the international community
The OIF and its member countries have always held an important position in Vietnam’s foreign policy, she stressed, adding that Vietnam has always shared and supported the values and goals of the Francophone community in terms of peace, democracy, cultural and language diversity, solidarity, cooperation, and development.
She stated that the Vietnamese NA, as the highest representative body of the people, is actively reforming its operation in the spirit of democracy and rule of law.
She proposed that the Women’s Parliamentary Network discuss measures on how to strengthen the role of women in politics, especially in raising the proportion of female delegates in parliaments; promoting the role of women in start-up activities and business development; and ensuring the rights of women and girls to have full access to education, healthcare, and all aspects of culture.
The Vietnamese leader hoped that the APF and other inter-parliamentary organisations will be vehicles for parliamentarians to continue to express their views, thus reflecting the aspirations of the people towards building and protecting a world of solidarity, peace, and multilateral cooperation, as well as settling disputes on the basis of respect for international law and towards sustainable development.
Lydienne Époubé, President of the Women’s Parliamentary Network and President of the APF Education, Communication, and Cultural Affairs Committee Didier Berberat expressed their belief that with the strong commitment and active participation of its delegates, the event will be a great success.
The two meetings will last until February 28.
