Top legislator addresses general debate of 152nd IPU Assembly

In his remarks, he highlighted that the IPU-152 theme of "Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations," carries both urgency and relevance at a time when the world is facing rising instability and conflict. 

He pointed to intensifying geopolitical competition, violations of international law, the use of force, and the destruction of critical infrastructure as major factors causing immense suffering and loss for millions.

In addition, wars, trade protectionism, and increasing polarization and fragmentation—alongside emerging non-traditional security challenges—are exerting complex and far-reaching impacts on global development. While breakthrough technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) present new opportunities, they also pose fresh challenges for governance.

Despite these difficulties, the top Vietnamese legislator expressed confidence that there remain grounds for hope.

At the global level, he noted that commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation remains strong. Frameworks such as the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development continue to underpin collective efforts. 

Through the declaration adopted at the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, IPU member legislatures have reaffirmed their determination to work together for peace, justice, and shared prosperity.

Regionally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, initiatives to enhance connectivity and strengthen multilateral cooperation are gaining momentum. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) continue to play vital roles in promoting peace, cooperation, and development.

Highlighting the achievements of nearly four decades of Doi Moi (renewal), Chairman Tran said Viet Nam is confidently entering a new development phase. The country aims to become a developing nation with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045. It is also pursuing a growth model driven by science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, while ensuring social equity and environmental sustainability.

Reaffirming Viet Nam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, resilience, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, he stressed that the country remains proactive and responsible in working with international partners to address shared regional and global challenges.

To navigate current challenges and harness emerging opportunities, he called on the IPU and its member parliaments to strengthen cooperation and solidarity, uphold the rule of law, and support national efforts toward peace and sustainable development. He underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering dialogue, building trust, addressing root causes of conflicts, and respecting the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

"In that spirit, together with other IPU members, we strongly call on all parties concerned to fully respect ceasefires and continue peace negotiations in pursuit of lasting and sustainable solutions to ongoing conflicts," he said.

The top Vietnamese legislator also urged parliaments to take a leading role in developing legal frameworks, translating international commitments into domestic law—particularly those related to peace, security, sustainable development, climate action, and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction—and ensuring effective oversight of their implementation.

He concluded by affirming that, regardless of the magnitude of global challenges, solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility will enable nations to overcome difficulties and build a better future for generations to come.

The same day, Chairman Tran met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit for the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Chairman Tran thanked Turkey for its warm reception and conveyed greetings from General Secretary and State President To Lam. He also praised Turkey's growing international role.

President Erdoğan affirmed that Turkey treasures its relationship with Viet Nam and seeks to further strengthen ties. Both leaders noted that after nearly 50 years of diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have advanced and should be elevated further.

The pair agreed to boost political trust, enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and aim to raise bilateral trade to US$4 billion and highlighted the importance of leveraging direct flights, e-visas, and people-to-people exchanges to deepen cooperation.

Both sides committed to maintaining high-level exchanges and strengthening existing cooperation mechanisms./.