Established in 1889 in Paris, France, the IPU comprises of 178 members and 12 associate members. The union’s duty is to work with parliaments to safeguard peace and drive positive democratic change through political dialogue and concrete action.
It aims to enhance exchanges and experience sharing between parliaments and contribute to protecting human rights worldwide.
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Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (L) at the 137th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly |
Since Vietnam joined in April 1979, its active participation has been acknowledged by other members. Over the years, relations between the Vietnamese National Assembly and other parliaments have been strengthened.
In October 2007 at the 117th IPU Assembly also in Geneva, Switzerland, Vietnam’s NA was elected to the IPU Executive Committee - the forum’s highest body - for the first time.
A representative from the Vietnamese National Assembly was designated as IPU Vice President in 2009.
Notably, in April 2015, Vietnam hosted the 132nd IPU Assembly, where the Hanoi Declaration was adopted, contributing to devising the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.
In October 2016, at the 135th IPU Assembly in Switzerland, Chairman of the NA’s Committee for External Affairs Nguyen Van Giau was elected to the IPU Executive Committee for 2016-2019.
Vietnam’s participation in IPU activities is one of the most important tasks of the legislative body’s multilateral parliamentary diplomacy to protect Vietnam’s interests, consult international points of view and show the country’s stance on global issues.
They are also chances for Vietnam to promote its land and people to the international community, expand its presence and increase the position the National Assembly and the country in the international arena.
Source: VNA