Vietnam actively participates in ASEP forum

The statement was made by NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung in his speech at the 7^th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP-7) which opened in Vientiane, Laos on October 3.

Themed “Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership for Sustainable Development”, ASEP-7 has attracted more than 300 delegates from ASEP members and observers as well as from regional and international organizations.

The focus of discussion was on enhancing food security in the context of current global climate changes; promoting Asia-Europe cooperation to address public debt and to ensure sustainable development; utilizing every resource to increase more public participation in disaster management.

As representatives of the people, ASEP members play a crucial role in deepening mutual understanding, and promoting more cooperation between Asia and Europe, NA leader Hung said.

He noted that the ASEP-7 agenda will focus on public debts and the Vietnam NA has approved the Law on Public Debt Management and is devising a national strategic plan on public and external debts until 2020 with a vision for 2030.

On climate change, Mr said that as one of the hardest hit countries, Vietnam supports closer cooperation and experience sharing in assessing and controlling risks, building early warning systems and promoting search and rescue operations.

He underlined the need to develop post-disaster infrastructures based on the 2005-2015 Hyogo Action Framework and several other UN resolutions.

In regard to food security, the NA chief asked ASEP members to improve the efficiency of agricultural development and food production in order to ensure food security for ASEM members.

On Vietnam’s external policy, he said Vietnam persists with the foreign policy of diversification and multilateralization of international relations in the spirit of being a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

Vietnam’s NA is willing to work with other members to overcome obstacles and take advantage of the opportunities from Asia-Europe cooperation over the next decade, Mr Hung said.

The meeting also decided on the procedures for admitting four new members to ASEP, including Australia, Myanmar, New Zealand and Russia.

A declaration on the meeting’s outcomes will be released on October 4.