AIPA-31 to take place in Ha Noi in September

HA NOI — The 31st general assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-31), to be held here from September 19-25, is the focus of the National Assembly's external relations activities this year.

Vice chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong told the organising board yesterday that by holding the event, Viet Nam, as ASEAN chair, would confirm its active and responsible role in the regional community.

She said the assembly, as host, had to provide practical initiatives to help member countries bring the ASEAN charter to life.

The charter came into force in 2008 and the ASEAN Community roadmap was declared in Thailand the following year, replacing the Vientiane Action Programme.

The successful organisation of the AIPA-31, said Phong, would contribute to the implementation of the nation's external relations policies.

This would also confirm Viet Nam's active integration into the region and lift the status of the country and its National Assembly.

Viet Nam will send 40 delegates, headed by Phong, to take part in AIPA-31.

Deputy minister holds talks in Ukraine

HA NOI — Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Cuong and his Ukrainian counterpart A Gorin have conducted another round of regular political discussions between the two countries in Kiev.

The deputy ministers exchanged views on several issues of mutual concern.

They also discussed improving relations from politics to tourism. Both Cuong and Gorin emphasised the need to increase the number of interchanges, especially those by high-ranking delegations.

The officials agreed to strengthen co-operation between the two foreign ministries and promote co-ordination and mutual support at regional and international forums.

Gorin applauded the contributions of Vietnamese in Ukraine and promised to create more favourable conditions for them to live and do business in the country.

During his visit, Cuong held a working session with the deputy head of the Ukrainian government office and met overseas Vietnamese in Kharkov and Kiev. — VNS