National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân chairs a meeting yesterday to review the preparation of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26).— VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

HÀ NỘI — National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân chaired a meeting yesterday to review the preparation of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26).

Reports from sub-committees for reception, logistics, information, and medical care showed that preparation work had been basically completed in line with required standards. 
Six APPF-26 draft resolutions have also been made. The documents focus on APPF’s role in boosting partnerships for sustainable and inclusive growth in Asia-Pacific, improving cultural-tourism co-operation in the region, and intensifying joint actions for adapting to climate-change. They also deal with food security – sustainable farming, parliamentary roles in promoting extensive and inclusive economic connectivity, and the enhancement of parliamentary diplomacy for regional and global peace, security, and prosperity. 
Addressing the meeting, Ngân, who is also APPF Chair for 2017-2018, acknowledged efforts made by relevant agencies in preparation for the event, particularly the prompt completion of the draft resolutions. 
The resolutions are linked together and reflect active contribution of Việt Nam to the APPF, she said. 
The top legislator said APPF-26 had important meaning and was a practical action by APPF members in support of the Đà Nẵng Declaration on Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future. The declaration was issued by the 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Đà Nẵng in November last year. 
Ngân said APPF-26 would discuss co-operation across economics, culture, and sustainable and inclusive development toward the issuance of a joint declaration. 
The APPF meeting will be held in Hà Nội from January 18-21 under the theme of “Parliamentary partnership for peace, innovation and sustainable development”. 
The APPF was officially formed in Tokyo, Japan, in 1993. 
The forum now has 27 members: Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Việt Nam.
The APPF is a mechanism that enables parliamentarians to discuss issues of common concern, and to deepen their understanding of the region and the interests and experience of its diverse members. The forum’s proceedings address political, security, economic, social and cultural issues, thus furthering regional cooperation and building relations between and among parliamentarians from the Asia-Pacific region. — VNS