As an active member of multilateral parliamentary forums, at the IPU-152 Vietnam will contribute initiatives to address shared challenges in the current global context. At the same time, the National Assembly Chairman’s week-long trip will strengthen traditional friendly and cooperative relations with Turkey and Italy. Chairman Man’s trip aims to elevate Vietnam’s position and affirm the role of the National Assembly in Vietnamese diplomacy.
Active, comprehensive international integration
With the overall theme “Nurturing hope, securing peace, and ensuring justice for future generations”, IPU-152 highlights the role of parliaments in promoting sustainable development. Against a backdrop of ongoing conflicts with severe humanitarian consequences, this Assembly will offer an opportunity to hundreds of lawmakers to advance peaceful solutions for the people they represent.
Vietnam’s participation in IPU-152 implements the foreign policy of the 14th National Party Congress to proactively promote comprehensive and deep international integration, contribute opinions, and learn from international practices in improving people-centered policies.
Since becoming a member of the IPU in 1979, the Vietnamese National Assembly has held various leadership positions in the IPU mechanisms. Its contributions have been highly valued by the IPU Secretariat and member parliaments. IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong said: “Your relationship with the organization grew. My very first project was to work with the Vietnamese National Assembly to build its documentation base to help introduce ICT in parliament. We understand that it was the National Assembly that initiated the master plan for ICT in Vietnam. I think a good legacy to show, to learn from the experiences of the others.”
Through IPU cooperation mechanisms, Vietnam has opportunities to exchange views on international issues, express its stance on shared concerns, and enhance the standing of Vietnam and its National Assembly on the global stage. Don Tuan Phong, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for National Defense, Security and External Relations, said: “The Vietnamese National Assembly has actively and responsibly participated in all major activities of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, including its Assemblies. Vietnam has proposed many initiatives to the joint efforts of the IPU and national parliaments, particularly in promoting peace, cooperation, and Sustainable Development Goals.”
At IPU-152, Vietnam will inform the world that the country has entered a new era, with notable socio-economic achievements, where people are always placed at the center as both the goal and driving force of all development policies.
Promoting cooperation with Turkey and Italy
While attending IPU-152, Chairman Man will conduct several bilateral activities in Turkey, one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the Middle East. The legislative ties between Vietnam and Turkey have developed positively, with regular exchanges of delegations, meetings, and consultations at inter-parliamentary forums.
After visiting Turkey, Chairman Man will pay an official visit to Italy. Based on diplomatic relations established in 1973 and the Strategic Partnership established in 2013, bilateral cooperation has been developing effectively in all fields. Two-way trade turnover has increased steadily each year, reaching approximately 7.3 billion USD in 2025, up 6.2% from 2024. Italy is Vietnam’s third-largest trading partner in the European Union, while Vietnam is Italy’s largest trading partner in ASEAN.
In Vietnam’s tourism development strategy, Italy is considered a high potential market. Italy also has extensive experience in developing cultural heritage tourism.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s participation in IPU-152 and visits to Turkey and Italy will affirm the role and position of the Vietnamese National Assembly on the international stage; strengthen bilateral relations with two strategically positioned countries in Europe and the Middle East; open up opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange; promote parliamentary diplomacy; and reaffirm Vietnam’s commitment to global issues.
