Hanoi (VNA) – The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Vietnam share along-standing, sound relations based on mutual trust and respect, stated IPUSecretary General Martin Chungong.

Hemade the statement in an interview with Vietnam News Agency at the outset ofthe 138th IPU Assembly (IPU-138) and related meetings in Geneva,Switzerland, from March 24-25.

Chungongsaid the sides have worked together efficiently to promote inter-parliamentarypartnership and highlighted his hope for future growth of the cooperation.

Henoted that Vietnam is now taking the lead in inter-parliamentary collaboration,as reflected through a series of major IPU events hosted by the country inrecent years, particularly the 132th IPU Assembly (IPU-132) in Hanoi in 2015.

Headded the IPU was pleased with the Hanoi Declaration passed at the IPU-132 onthe “Sustainable Development Goals: Turning Words into Action”, saying thedeclaration was the starting point of current IPU’s actions in contribution tothe realisation of the SDGs.

TheSecretary General also mentioned Ho Chi Minh City’s hosting of an IPU regionalseminar in the Asia-Pacific Region on climate change in May in 2017. Theseminar enabled participants to discuss opportunities and challenges inresponding to climate change and to learn from Vietnam’s experience in thematter.

Chungongsaid the IPU backs Vietnam’s leading role in inter-parliamentary activities.

Hetalked about IPU’s support programmes for the Vietnamese National Assembly(NA), including building a legal framework data since the 1990s, fightingHIV/AIDS, raising parliamentarians’ and public awareness on SDGs, andincreasing the NA’s capacity in meeting SDGs.

Theprogrammes also proved continuous efforts made by the Vietnamese NA to improveits apparatus, Chugong affirmed.

Establishedin 1889 in Paris, France, the IPU comprises of 178 members and 12 associatemembers. The union’s duty is to work with parliaments to safeguard peace anddrive positive democratic change through political dialogue and concreteaction.

Itaims to enhance exchanges and experience sharing between parliaments andcontribute to protecting human rights worldwide.

SinceVietnam joined the IPU in April 1979, its active participation has beenacknowledged by other members. Over the years, relations between the VietnameseNational Assembly and other parliaments have been strengthened.

InOctober 2007 at the 117th IPU Assembly also in Geneva, Switzerland, Vietnam’sNA was elected to the IPU Executive Committee - the forum’s highest body - forthe first time.

TheIPU-138 is expected to be participated by 700 parliamentarians and 65 leadersof legislative bodies across the globe. The Vietnamese delegation to themeeting is headed by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.-VNA