Promoting Vietnam's role in AIPA, elevating cooperation with Indonesia and Iran

Responsive for a stable and prosperous ASEAN

The AIPA-44 General Assembly took place under the theme “Responsive Parliaments for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN”, which matches the theme of Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Year, that is “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”. The theme of the AIPA-44 General Assembly represents the shared commitment of the member parliaments to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity of the region.

ENHANCING PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION

Taking place in the context of a rapidly changing, complex and unpredictable world, the AIPA-44 General Assembly reflects the wishes of the member states' parliaments in promoting peace and security and strengthening the region’s resilience and sustainable and inclusive development to make ASEAN the centre of growth.

In her opening remarks at the AIPA-44 General Assembly, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives and President of the AIPA-44 General Assembly Puan Maharani, emphasised that AIPA and its member parliaments need to strengthen their commitment and support the maintenance of solidarity and unity in ASEAN to help the association overcome current difficulties and challenges.

In a message conveyed to the AIPA-44 General Assembly, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong applauded the strong development and practical contributions of AIPA to the construction of a united and cohesive ASEAN community.

Emphasising that AIPA has become a strong united organisation, with a growing role in the region and the world, President Vo Van Thuong expressed his wish that AIPA would continue to support ASEAN in promoting multilateral links, upholding the rule of law, actively contributing to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world.

While attending and delivering a speech at the first plenary session of the AIPA-44 General Assembly, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue put forward proposals that emphasise the need to strengthen solidarity, promote ASEAN's central role and strategic value, and mobilise the support of partners and the international community in ensuring a peaceful, secure and stable environment in the region.

The National Assembly Chairman stated that ASEAN needs to strengthen and expand intra-regional cooperation; strengthen relations with its partners, as well as sub-regional cooperation, adding that enhancing the ability to respond to challenges also needs attention.

The Vietnamese NA Chairman stressed the need for ASEAN parliaments to continue improving their roles in law building, and strengthen their supervision over governments, during the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, in all the three pillars of politics-security, economy, and culture-society, towards the post-2025 vision. He suggested AIPA continue to innovate, become an effective parliamentary cooperation channel, and continue to focus on strengthening relations with partners who are AIPA's observers, thus contributing to solving challenges.

NA Chairman Hue took the occasion to invite representatives from the ASEAN parliaments and observers, to attend the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, which will be hosted by the Vietnamese NA in coordination with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) this September in Hanoi, under the theme ‘The role of young people in promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through digital transformation and innovation’.

At AIPA-44, Vietnam proposed three draft resolutions, actively participated in discussions, and contributed substantive and specific opinions, which were highly appreciated by delegations of other participation parliaments.

PROMOTE BILATERAL RELATIONSHIPS

On the occasion of his attendance at the 44th AIPA General Assembly, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue had meetings with the heads of delegations of Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia, to discuss the situation of each country, their countries’ relationship with Vietnam, as well as promotion of bilateral cooperation, including parliamentary cooperation.

At their meetings, leaders of the Vietnamese and Lao NAs agreed that the two legislative bodies should continue their close collaboration, effectively conduct their regular cooperation mechanisms, step up cooperation in human resource training, and coordinate legislation, monitoring, and decision-making activities involving important national issues. The two sides agreed to closely coordinate in organising the first high-level conference of the NAs of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam in Laos, in December 2023, as well as AIPA 2024, chaired by Laos.

While expressing his delight at the development of the Vietnam - Cambodia relations, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State and people always attach great importance to strengthening and developing good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability with Cambodia.

Based on the bilateral strategic partnership, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue suggested the two sides should strengthen coordination to implement the "Three Connects" strategy, towards the goal of 25 billion USD in two-way trade.

Evaluating that Vietnam and Malaysia have a lot of opportunities and room to promote bilateral cooperation, the Vietnamese top legislator suggested that the relationship between the two legislative bodies should be further promoted to match the Vietnam-Malaysia strategic partnership, especially in the exchange of delegations at all levels and the sharing of experiences.

The legislative bodies of Vietnam and the Philippines agreed to continue cooperation within the bilateral and multilateral framework; back each other's initiatives at the AIPA; and work together to further strengthen ASEAN's solidarity, strength and centrality, and maintain a common voice in regional security issues.

Elevating Vietnam - Indonesia relations

The Vietnam-Indonesia Strategic Partnership is being developed comprehensively in both breadth and depth, actively contributing to a dynamic, inclusive and sustainable regional architecture based on international law. On that basis, during his official visit to Indonesia, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and Indonesian leaders discussed measures to further strengthen their traditional friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

REALISING DEVELOPMENT ASPIRATIONS

In talks and meetings with Indonesian leaders and officials, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to developing the strategic partnership between the two countries. The National Assembly Chairman said that Vietnam and Indonesia have full will, aspiration and determination, to cooperate to realise the aspiration to become rich developed countries.

Meanwhile, leaders and officials of the host country affirmed that Vietnam is a partner of strategic importance for Indonesia in the region. They expressed their belief that the visit, which took place on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between the two countries, would help create a driving force for cooperation between the two countries to be deeper and more substantive.

Vietnam and Indonesia work together to realise the goal of becoming developed countries by 2045 when both countries will mark their 100th founding anniversary. To jointly realise this aspiration, as well as make effective use of the cooperation potential between the two countries, the leaders of the two countries agreed on major directions to promote Vietnam-Indonesia relations for the next time.

Accordingly, the two sides will promote the exchange of delegations and high-level contacts at all levels and channels. To promote parliamentary cooperation, the two sides will actively share experiences in legislative work, creating a legal corridor for the two countries to cooperate closely in the current global fields, especially in just energy transition and safe digital transformation.

On the occasion, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives signed a cooperation agreement between the two sides’ legislative bodies. The signing of the new cooperation agreement not only contributes to promoting cooperation in the parliamentary channel but also contributes to bringing the strategic partnership between the two countries into reality in various fields and promoting the elevation of bilateral relations.

In the field that has accomplished many achievements, the two sides agreed to work to raise bilateral trade to over 15 billion USD by 2028, in a more balanced way. The two sides agreed to facilitate trade activities, reduce trade barriers, and promote the development of new and strategic supply chains. The two sides will step up measures to promote and create favourable conditions for businesses of the two countries, to diversify fields of investment and business cooperation.

This cooperation orientation was implemented by the two sides at the forum on policies and laws to promote economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia. After giving an important speech at the forum, NA Chairwoman Vuong Dinh Hue witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between Vietnamese and Indonesian companies in the areas of navigation and the launch of a direct air route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Jakarta.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in other important fields, including culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides will strengthen connectivity by increasing the frequency of direct air routes and wish to open a direct route from Hanoi to Jakarta. Maritime and fisheries cooperation and the settlement of issues related to IUU will also be boosted in the near future.

COORDINATION IN REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ISSUES

The Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership not only benefits the two countries but also contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. As affirmed by NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, the two countries have many favourable conditions and the potential to cooperate on regional and global issues.

Discussing regional and international issues, the two senior officials agreed to continue strengthening consultation and close coordination at multilateral forums and support each other’s standpoints on issues of mutual interest amid complicated and unpredictable developments in the world.

As NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said, after nearly six decades of establishment and development, ASEAN has never been in such a good position as it is today, but it also faces many challenges. Therefore, the two countries affirmed to work closely to strengthen solidarity and promote the central role of ASEAN. Vietnam has always given strong support to Indonesia, the Chair of ASEAN and AIPA in 2023.

The two sides continue to coordinate closely at multilateral parliamentary forums, such as AIPA, the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), and others. On the occasion of the visit by NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Speaker of the People’s Representative Council (lower house) of Indonesia Puan Maharani said, that Indonesia will send a delegation to attend the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, hosted by the National Assembly of Vietnam in September.

Leaders of the two countries reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, safety, security and freedom of navigation in the East Sea/South China Sea and would jointly maintain ASEAN’s solidarity and common stance on the East Sea issue.

A new milestone in Vietnam-Iran relations

The friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Iran have achieved positive developments in recent years. During the official visit to Iran, in the spirit of friendship and trust, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and Iranian leaders had extensive discussions on tightening friendship and promoting cooperation between the two countries in many fields.

CONSOLIDATING FRIENDSHIP

Vietnam and Iran have a time-honoured friendly relationship. The relationship between Vietnam and Iran became closer when the two countries officially established diplomatic relations on August 4, 1973.

Taking place on the occasion of this milestone, the official visit to Iran by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, contributed to further consolidating the friendship and enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples. Within the framework of his visit, the National Assembly Chairman attended cultural activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and received the President of the Iran-Vietnam Friendship Association.

The Iran-Vietnam Friendship Association has made great efforts in cultivating friendship between the two countries. The Association has organised people-to-people exchanges, and investment consulting for businesses of both sides; together with the Iranian Government to promote and provide scholarships for Vietnamese students to study in Iran, as well as to send Iranian students to Hanoi.

Appreciating the Association's performance over the past time, National Assembly Chairwoman Vuong Dinh Hue wished that the Association would continue to diversify its people-to-people exchange activities, making more positive contributions to the two countries’ relations.

Promoting people-to-people exchanges, culture and art, is one of the focuses of cooperation between the two countries in the coming time. Based on the relationship spanning half a century, these activities will add impetus for Vietnam-Iran relations to develop in a new path.

ENHANCING COOPERATION EFFICIENCY

During the visit, at talks and meetings with Iranian leaders, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Iran, one of its important partners in the Middle East.

Appreciating the significance of the visit of NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf affirmed that the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran and people always attach great importance to further promoting friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, an important partner of Iran in the Asia-Pacific region.

On that basis, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and Iranian leaders discussed and agreed on specific measures to improve the efficiency of cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.

Accordingly, the two sides agreed to continue to strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level delegations and leaders of ministries and branches in charge of economics and localities; well prepared for the 10th meeting of the Vietnam-Iran Inter-governmental Committee in Hanoi.

During the visit, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and his Iranian counterpart signed a MoU on cooperation between the two legislative bodies. Accordingly, the two sides will enhance the exchange of high-level and all-level delegations; promote the role of the legislature in boosting bilateral relations; coordinate each other in supervising the effective implementation of cooperation agreements signed between the governments of the two countries.

The two legislative bodies support and strengthen the connection and cooperation between the businesses from the two countries; create favourable conditions to support the business community, as well as people from the two nations who are living, investing and working in each country. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation between committees, agencies, friendship parliaments, groups of female parliamentarians and groups of young parliamentarians.

The signing and implementation of the MoU and many cooperation documents will contribute to promoting cooperation between the two countries and the two parliaments in the near future.

To increase bilateral trade turnover, the two sides agreed to strengthen meetings and connections between localities and businesses of the two countries, to seek cooperation opportunities for business and investment activities, as well as create conditions for products of each country’s strengths to penetrate each other's markets. The two sides also agreed to boost cooperation on production according to Halal standards.

To seek breakthrough measures for economic and trade cooperation, the two sides agreed to strengthen customs cooperation and resume cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, such as the joint working groups on banking cooperation and trade exchange.

In addition, the two sides discussed many specific measures to promote cooperation in other potential fields, such as science-technology, digital transformation, education-training, and tourism.

The two countries affirmed to continue to coordinate and support each other at international forums and organisations, including the United Nations. The two sides also agreed to promote cooperation at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums.

Continuing to carry out the policy of proactive and active international integration comprehensively and deeply and increasing multilateral foreign relations, the high-ranking delegation of the National Assembly of Vietnam, led by Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, made practical contributions to the discussion of the AIPA-44 General Assembly, strengthening the relationship between the National Assembly of Vietnam and AIPA member parliaments. The visit of NA leader Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed Vietnam's priority in developing and continuing to promote friendship and opening up new cooperation opportunities with partner countries and traditional friends in Asia and the Middle East.

Published: August 2023
Production Manager: CHU HONG THANG – PHAM TRUONG SON
Content: NINH SON – NHU NGOC
Design: HOANG HA - PHAN ANH
Sources: NA OFFICE, VNA