(VOVworld) – The National Assembly and its external relations have made remarkable contributions to the implementation of Vietnam’s foreign policy and international integration, helping to improve Vietnam’s global status.

At the first National Assembly session on March 1946, the National Assembly and the government decided to embark on a friendly diplomatic policy with other countries. In light of France’s intention to re-invade Vietnam, the National Assembly and government initiated negotiations on the signing of the Fontainebleau agreement with the French government. The National Assembly then issued a resolution on Vietnam’s diplomatic policy with France, stating Vietnam’s policy of defending its territorial integrity. During Vietnam’s past struggle for national reunification, the National Assembly made a number of appeals for international support and solidarity with the Vietnamese people. It issued a resolution on the signing of the Paris Accord, which ended the war and restored peace in Vietnam in 1973. Secretary General of the National Assembly Nguyen Hanh Phuc said: “The first National Assembly left deep imprints on parliamentary diplomacy. After it was established the Vietnam National Assembly sent a delegation led by its permanent commission deputy chief Nguyen Van Dong to Paris to help French people learn about Vietnam’s struggle for national independence. It also sent many delegations to other countries to establish and consolidate their friendship and solidarity with Vietnam.”

Vietnam has established parliamentary relations with 160 countries and has joined many regional and global parliamentary forums, such as the Inter-parliamentary Union, the Francophone Parliamentary Assembly, and the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly.

Vietnam has also hosted a number of international parliamentary events such as the general assembly meetings of the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly. The 132nd General Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU 132) in 2015 was one of the biggest international events hosted in Vietnam. The Hanoi Declaration adopted at IPU 132 is of great importance to not only the IPU but also the international community in realizing the UN’s sustainable development goals for 2030. Head of the National Assembly’s External Relations Committee Tran Van Hang said: “IPU 132 was a good opportunity to promote Vietnam’s policies, culture, tourism, trade, and investment. The success of IPU 132 highlighted Vietnam’s achievements and improved Vietnam’s global status.”