Top Vietnamese legislator calls for deeper cooperation among Francophone nations

The event was organized by the Vietnamese National Assembly in celebration of its hosting of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of Francophone (APF).

Attendees at the opening session included NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai, head of the organizing committee of the APF Executive Committee meeting alongside representatives from relevant ministries, departments, and Can Tho City.

Those in attendance also included representatives from the APF and international organizations, such as APF President Hilarion Etong, Administrator of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) Caroline St-Hilaire, parliamentary leaders from APF member countries, as well as parliamentarians, ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of various international organizations."

Affirming the role of the French-speaking parliaments in addressing global challenges
In his opening speech, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasized that following the successes of recent high-level inter-parliamentary multilateral activities hosted by Vietnam, the Francophone Parliamentary Forum and the APF Executive Committee meeting reaffirm Vietnam's proactive, positive, and responsible participation in multilateral cooperation frameworks. This also highlights the country’s prioritization, interest, and engagement in regional and global issues, as well as its solidarity and commitment to the development of the Francophonie community and its member nations.

Man noted that after nearly 40 years of pursuing the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, Vietnam has achieved significant and comprehensive milestones, particularly in poverty reduction and the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), aiming for sustainable development according to the UN 2030 Agenda.

Vietnam achieved impressive outcomes in 2024, including a GDP growth of 7.09%, an economy worth around US$476 billion, and controlled inflation below 4%. Trade turnover reached a record US$786 billion, with agriculture contributing US$62 billion. Agriculture remains a major achievement, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when it became the economic backbone. Vietnam not only ensured food security but also supplied agricultural products to the global market, with a record export of rice exceeding 9 million tons worth about US$5.7 billion in 2024.

Looking toward the 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s founding, the country aims to enter an era of national growth, with goals of becoming an industrialized, high-income developing nation by 2030 and a high-income socialist developed nation by 2045.

“To achieve these goals, we are focusing on strong political determination, carrying out comprehensive reforms, and instilling national pride, self-reliance, and aspirations for development,” emphasized the Vietnamese NA leader.

He also underscored that the Francophone Parliamentary Forum is part of APF’s activities following the Paris Summit. The Vietnamese National Assembly hopes this platform will contribute to ramping up cooperation within the Francophone community, supporting initiatives in science, technology, innovation, digital economy, startups, public-private partnerships, and the promotion of the French language and cultural diversity. He also highlighted the commitment of French-speaking countries to sustainable development, balancing growth, poverty eradication, and environmental protection.

Chairman Man said he believes that parliamentary bodies and individual MPs play an essential role in advancing and monitoring the achievement of these goals.

The forum provides an opportunity for delegates to exchange ideas, share experience, and discuss policies to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate change adaptation. It also fosters initiatives for collaboration among stakeholders, including countries, international organizations like OIF, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector.

Drawing from Vietnam's experience, the top Vietnamese legislator emphasized that the most successful model for achieving these objectives is multi-stakeholder cooperation, particularly through trilateral partnerships.

A key outcome of the forum is the anticipated adoption of the Can Tho Declaration on French-speaking cooperation for sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate change adaptation. The Chairman expressed confidence that this declaration will affirm the critical role of French-speaking parliaments and MPs in dealing with global challenges and boosting multilateral and regional cooperation.

Reinforcing solidarity within Francophone community

At the forum’s opening, APF President Hilarion Etong thanked the Vietnam section of the APF for organizing this event ahead of the APF Executive Committee meeting, focusing on pressing global issues.

President Etong stated that the initiative demonstrates Vietnam’s strong commitment to playing an active role in advancing Francophone cooperation on sustainable development, food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate change adaptation.

Given the global challenges highlighted by the Forum’s theme, President Etong urged parliaments to increase coordination and cooperation within the Francophone community. The event serves as a dialogue platform for sharing best practices and experiences, he added.

Etong said he hopes the Forum will mark the beginning of a new era in French-speaking cooperation and commitment to addressing food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture challenges.

Administrator of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) Caroline St-Hilaire, affirmed that the APF Executive Committee meeting and the Fracophone Parliamentary Forum exemplify the spirit of cooperation and friendship, connecting nations within the Francophone space.

She noted that sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate change are urgent global challenges that are top priorities for the Francophone community and its member states.

With combined effort, she believes the aspirations for a sustainable future can be realized. She called on MPs of APF member countries to use existing tools to deliver more practical solutions, noting that the Francophone space could overcome complex and significant challenges with strong commitments.

Caroline St-Hilaire expressed her belief that the exchanges at the Forum would open new prospects and strengthen solidarity within the Francophone community.