National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân (middle) attends the opening session of the 140th Inter-Parliamentary Union in Doha. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

DOHA — National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân and a Vietnamese delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 140th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-140) in Doha, the capital city of Qatar on April 6 (local time).

Co-chaired by IPU President Gabriela Cuevas Barron and Speaker of the Shura Council of the State of Qatar Ahmad Bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, the event was themed “Parliaments as platforms to enhance education for peace, security and the rule of law”, attracting leaders of parliaments, heads of delegations from 160 member parliaments, over 1,600 parliamentarians and representatives from international organisations.

In his opening address, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani spoke highly of agenda tabled for discussion at the meeting, saying that they all look towards the progress of humankind.

He expressed his belief that on the back of the education goal, Qatar and other countries would achieve security, stability and prosperity.

The State of Qatar attached special importance to international education cooperation with the launch of various initiatives to improve access to education of children and disadvantaged groups, he said.

The Emir said the building of a State based on the rule of law was also one of the top goals with an aim to support underprivileged communities and vulnerable groups, contributing to dealing with existing social issues in the region.

In his opinion, a strong rule of law would ensure basic principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

In the current context, he called for further promoting dialogue mechanisms within the multilateral framework, thereby seeking measures against conflicts, injustice, violence worldwide, as well as step up trade and global efforts against negative impacts of climate change, terrorism and environmental pollution.

IPU President Barron, for her part, said the assembly marked the 130th founding anniversary of the IPU, affording it a chance to take action with higher sense of responsibility for sustainable growth.

She believed that the meeting would pool strong will of parliamentarians and parliaments to build a better world.

Barron took the occasion to call on countries to overcome challenges, adopt measures to ensure interests of the people and protect them.

Later, United Nations Under Secretary General Vladimir Voronkov conveyed the UN Secretary General’s message of calling for the support of IPU member states, parliamentarians, multilateral cooperation mechanisms in promoting multilateralism in the settlement of regional and global issues. They were urged to raise a stronger voice to cope with challenges and meet basic interests of the people.

With discussions revolving the common theme, the meeting will last till April 10. — VNS