Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Office Nguyen Hanh Phuc has called upon Asian-Pacific lawmakers to forge active cooperation to tackle increasing territorial and resources disputes, as well as non-traditional challenges.

Chairman of the National Assembly Office Nguyen Hanh Phuc. Photo: VNA

Phuc, who is also a Party Central Committee member, made the statement while addressing the 22^nd annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in the western Mexico state of Jalisco. The meeting is from January 14-16.

The official said Viet Nam advocates active and positive international integration, affirming the country’s external policy that consistently pursues independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, diversifies relations, and works as a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

Viet Nam’s legislative body pledged to best perform its role in parliamentary external affairs, contributing to maintaining a peaceful environment, which facilitates the country’s industrialisation and modernization, while protecting the national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Phuc said.

He went on to say that Viet Nam vows to actively contribute to the struggle for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress in the world.

During the forum, the NA delegation joined international parliamentarians in discussions on issues relating to economics, politics, security and development, environmental protection, post-2015 development goals, as well as those concerning the youth and women.

They also met with legislators from the host Mexico and Japan on bilateral and regional issues.

Established in 1992, APPF serves as a platform for law-makers to converse on pressing issues pertaining peace, security and sustainable development in the region, as well as international developments and regional cooperation.

(Source: VNA)