A Vietnamese delegation led by Nguyen Van Giau, chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for External Relations, is attending an online meeting which is running from November 1 to November 4 among the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)'s Governing Council.

Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for External Relations Nguyen Van Giau
(Photo: VNA)

The most important item on the agenda at the 206th meeting, which involves the participation of 454 parliamentarians from 144 delegations, is to elect a new IPU president.

Participants at the event heard that the IPU has promotes its strength through a common voice, representing 179 member parliaments globally to take part in the international agenda for peace, stability, democracy, rule of law, justice, and equality, whilst constantly striving to ensure the rights of women, children, and youths in multiple fields.

During the course of the meeting, the Vietnamese delegation has taken on the role of a responsible member of the IPU, along with other international and regional parliamentary forums.

The delegation was appreciative of some of the contributions made by Gabriela Cuevas Barron, the outgoing IPU President, expressing confidence that the successor will be effective in promoting precious values for a sustainable multilateral parliamentary diplomacy.

A total of four candidates representing different geopolitical groups, including those from Portugal, Canada, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan are running for the role of IPU presidency, with the four all presenting their action plans and visions to make the group a stronger organisation.

The Vietnamese delegation affirmed its support for the further development of the IPU, along with its compliance with the IPU’s regulations.

Ahead of the 206th meeting, the Vietnamese delegation attended an online meeting on October 30 of the ASEAN Plus Three countries and the IPU's Asia-Pacific Group.

As scheduled, the 206th meeting will approve reports from the 205th meeting held in October, 2019, a report relating to the activities of the IPU President, along with a summary report of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights of the IPU. In addition, there will also be reports on the virtual fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and the summit of the world's leading female parliamentarians which took place from August 17 to August 21.

Furthermore, the Governing Council is set to make decisions on the IPU’s financial report for 2019, planned activities of the IPU, and the 2021 budget estimate. It is also considering holding the 142nd IPU General Assembly in 2021 in Morocco.