Francophone Parliamentary Assembly’s Executive Committee opens in Can Tho
VOV.VN - The Francophone Parliamentary Assembly (APF) opened its Executive Committee meeting in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, with APF President Hilarion Etong in the chair.
In his opening remarks, Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasized that Vietnam values the role of the APF as a consultative body of the International Organization of Francophone (OIF), which initiates and implements inter-parliamentary cooperation programmes, promotes the rule of law and human rights, advances the use of the French language, and strengthens the bonds of friendship and solidarity among parliamentary institutions.
“In the context of the complex and unpredictable global situation, characterized by geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and unresolved global challenges, the APF Executive Committee’s political discussions on the role of the Francophone Community amid global order changes are highly timely and significant,” stated the Vietnamese legislator.
He expressed optimism about the APF’s and the Francophone community’s ability to reaffirm their vital roles alongside other multilateral institutions, grounded in international law and the United Nations Charter, to foster cooperation and coordinated action in addressing global challenges.
In this context, Man highlighted the importance of the Vietnam – initiated Can Tho Declaration on Francophone cooperation on sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate change adaptation, which was unanimously adopted by participants at a Jan. 21-22 forum. He urged the APF Executive Committee to consider recommendations and present the declaration at the upcoming APF General Assembly to further advance this crucial topic and promote specific cooperative activities within the Francophone community.
Taking the floor, APF President Hilarion Etong, who is also first Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon, affirmed his support for Vietnam’s initiative, which he said would mark a significant milestone in the history of the APF.
The commitments in the declaration will bring great value to the organization in various areas, such as South-South cooperation, the sharing of best economic practices, technological innovation, and promotion of inclusive and sustainable development, he said.
On this occasion, the APF President proposed strengthening relations between Vietnam and African nations to promote cooperation in economy, trade, technology, and especially in agriculture.
Vietnam’s active participation is expected to contribute to the success of strategic projects by providing technological and professional support to achieve the noble goal of ensuring food security for the people, he stressed.
