Vietnam launched the 16th-term Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Organization comprising 64 parliamentary friendship groups on August 21, according to an announcement by the National Assembly Standing Committee. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man attended the ceremony, where officials outlined leadership roles for key bilateral groups involving Laos, Cambodia, China, Russia, Australia, and the United States.
Resolution Establishment and Leadership Structure
Ta Thi Yen, deputy chairwoman of the Committee for Deputy Affairs, announced the establishment of the 64 parliamentary friendship groups and the appointment of their respective chairs during the afternoon ceremony, according to official reports. The presidium of the organization consists of a chairman, vice chairmen, and a secretary general.
Do Van Chien, Permanent Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly, was appointed to lead the Vietnam-Laos Parliamentary Friendship Group and acts as the head of the organization for the 16th National Assembly. National Assembly Deputy Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh will chair the Vietnam-Cambodia group, and Deputy Chairman Nguyen Doan Anh will head the Vietnam-China group. Additional appointments include Deputy Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh for the Vietnam-Russia group, Deputy Chairman Nguyen Hong Dien for the Vietnam-Australia group, and Deputy Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hong for the Vietnam-US group.
Le Tan Toi, head of the National Assembly’s Committee for National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs; Vu Hai Ha, permanent deputy head of the same committee; and Le Quang Manh, secretary general of the National Assembly alongside his role as chairman of the National Assembly Office, hold the positions of vice chairmen within the organization. Dinh Cong Sy functions as secretary general while holding the post of deputy chairman of the Committee for National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs.
The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Vietnam’s Foreign Relations
Speaking at the ceremony, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man stated that the launch of the organization is significant to both legislative work and external relations, noting that after 40 years of Doi Moi, Vietnam has achieved comprehensive progress across the economy, society, defense, security, and foreign affairs. According to Tran Thanh Man, parliamentary diplomacy works alongside Party-to-Party relations, state diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy as an important channel contributing to broader foreign relations.
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Parliamentary friendship groups function as active bridges for inter-parliamentary cooperation, helping build political trust and support for Vietnam among foreign lawmakers and political circles, according to National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
As Vietnam expands its international integration, these friendship groups help strengthen mutual understanding and mobilize resources for national development, Tran Thanh Man said. He called on group chairs and National Assembly deputies to dedicate their time and expertise to the activities, while expressing hope that foreign ambassadors and diplomatic missions in Vietnam will support the legislature’s external relations.
Objectives and Future Cooperation
Speaking on behalf of the presidium, Do Van Chien stated that parliamentary friendship serves as a bridge connecting Vietnam’s National Assembly with legislatures around the world to consolidate trust and deepen cooperation. According to Do Van Chien, the organization will collaborate closely with National Assembly bodies and deputies to connect Vietnamese lawmakers with their counterparts, political leaders, and peoples in other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Organization?
It is an organization comprising 64 parliamentary friendship groups established by a resolution of the National Assembly Standing Committee to foster ties between Vietnam’s legislature and foreign parliaments.
Who leads the 16th-term Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Organization?
Permanent Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Do Van Chien serves as chairman of the organization, alongside three vice chairmen and a secretary general.
Who heads the bilateral groups for major partners?
Do Van Chien chairs the Vietnam-Laos group, Nguyen Thi Thanh leads the Vietnam-Cambodia group, Nguyen Doan Anh heads the Vietnam-China group, Nguyen Khac Dinh leads the Vietnam-Russia group, Nguyen Hong Dien chairs the Vietnam-Australia group, and Nguyen Thi Hong leads the Vietnam-US group, according to official announcements.
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