The IPU-141, themed “Strengthening international law: Parliamentary roles and mechanisms, and the contribution of regional cooperation”, is taking place in Belgrade, Serbia, with the participation of 80 top legislators and heads of delegations and more than 1,700 parliamentarians from 150 member parliaments, along with representatives of international organisations.
Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong delivers a speech at the plenary session of the IPU-141 in Belgrade, Serbia, on October 15th (Photo: VNA)
In her speech, Phong noted complex security and political developments, racial and religious conflicts, non-traditional security risks, and increasing terrorism, extremism and insular nationalism around the world. She attributed the situation to the increase of unilateral actions that are not based on legal orders regulated in universal international conventions and violate the common principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, which are threatening peace that humankind has been striving to maintain.
The situation needs coordination at multiple levels, including the engagement of multilateral institutions and particularly the IPU, the Permanent Vice Chairwoman said.
She applauded the IPU-141’s theme, which highlights the IPU’s resolve and actions to enhance the role of international law – the principle to regulate international relations and the basis to boost global governance and equal cooperative ties among countries, regardless of how big or small they are.
The official emphasised that Vietnam persistently pursue a foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, and respects multilateralism, the rule of law and the common principles of international relations. It pays special attention to the maintenance of international order based on rules, common agreements and conventions among countries.
The country always adheres to regulations of universal international agreements such as the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and settles disputes by peaceful measures on the basis on international law, Phong said, adding that it has also taken part in many multilateral treaties within the framework of the UN and other international organisations.