The third Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments (MSEAP 3) in Antalya, Turkey, closed on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo

ANTALYA, Turkey — The third Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments (MSEAP 3) in Antalya, Turkey, closed on Tuesday and officially adopted the 17-point Antalya Statement, with National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân leading a Vietnamese high-ranking delegation to the event.

The statement recognised the role played by parliaments of Eurasian countries in creating a frank discussion of issues, and results achieved at conferences in Moscow of Russia and Seoul of the Republic of Korea; and exchanging views on measures to promote parliamentary diplomacy, thus contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in Eurasia. Recognising the importance of development in the region, the statement affirmed commitment to promoting joint efforts in legislative support, and exploring possibilities of expanding partnerships in Eurasia for a shared future, inclusive and sustainable growth,  prosperity through promoting co-operation in many areas of common interest, such as logistics services, customs harmonisation, multimodal connectivity, infrastructure development, business facilitation and technology transfer on the basis of respect for laws of each country.

The statement also acknowledged the aspirations of countries to encourage the use of new measures to support economic and trade activities through the form of intra-bloc co-operation.

Participants also reaffirmed their support for an open, inclusive, non-discriminatory, transparent and law-abiding multilateral trading system that was set up within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

They also reiterated their commitments to ensure the implementation and enforcement of the existing rules of the WTO and their determination to enhance cooperate to further strengthen the organization while rejecting trade practices that do not conform to WTO rules.

The statement acknowledged the importance of joint efforts made by countries, international organisations and associations of mutual interest in connecting national development strategies and multilateral integration projects.

It also highlighted the important role that parliaments play in giving priority to addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, drought, deforestation, desertification and land degradation, natural disasters, loss of biodiversity and water scarcity in national agendas in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, to promote close cooperation and co-ordination among Eurasian countries, thus improving  adaptability and self-reliance against negative effects caused by these challenges.

The Statement reaffirmed the commitment to resolving conflicts by peaceful measures with no use or threatening to use force, and adhering to universally accepted principles of international law and the UN Charter.

Supporting co-operation

Earlier, addressing the first plenary session at the MSEAP 3, NA Chairwoman Ngân said that Việt Nam is ready to support c-ooperation with parliaments of Eurasian countries, share experience and information  to help each other cope with global challenges, contributing to ensuring peace, security and prosperity in the world.

Since the 2nd MSEAP, the world has seen numerous changes in both political and economic spheres, she said, adding that despite some recovery, the world economy is facing many challenges, especially trade war, protectionism and geo-political instability in some regions.

Ngân stressed that economic cooperation on the basis of mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and mutual benefits is an important condition to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for addressing challenges and striving for sustainable development.

Việt Nam always actively participates in parliamentary diplomacy in the region and the world, she said.

“We are ready to coordinate to connect the Eurasian parliamentary cooperation with inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanisms such as IPU, AIPA and APPF, thus expanding our working agenda towards the effective implementation of the Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development,” she said.

Sharing that Việt Nam is continuing with international integration, Chairwoman Ngân said Viêt Nam wants to co-operate more closely with Eurasian countries across the fields, particularly in innovation, digital technology, smart connectivity and inclusive and sustainable development.

She proposed further strengthening Eurasian cooperation, intensifying regional and inter-regional economic connectivity, and promoting multilateral trade globally on the basis of mutual benefits and international law.

The Vietnamese parliamentary leader also recommended promoting Eurasian co-operation in technology transfer, environmental protection and response to climate change. Developed countries should uphold their pioneering role in helping developing nations, including Việt Nam, realise sustainable goals.

She voiced support of Eurasian countries’ efforts to build the Eurasian parliamentary cooperation mechanism into a strong and more close-knit forum, and expand linkage with other inter-parliamentary forums and organisations in the world in order to enhance parliamentary diplomacy.

Official visit to Turkey

Later in the day, Việt Nam Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân arrived in Ankara on October 10 afternoon (local time), beginning an official visit to Turkey at the invitation of Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Binali Yildirim.

This is the first time a top legislator of Việt Nam has paid an official visit and also the highest-level trip by a leader of the Vietnamese Party and State to Turkey.

The visit aims to continue enhancing the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries in the context of the 40th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties in 2018. It also marks a new milestone in developing the friendship and cooperation between Việt Nam and Turkey, as well as between their parliaments. — VNS