In mid-April 2026, Istanbul was bathed in gentle spring sunshine, with gusts of wind carrying the salty scent of the sea as the season changed. At the Hilton Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center, a luxurious conference center brilliantly illuminated, more than 1,000 parliamentarians from 114 IPU member parliaments across continents, dressed in a mix of traditional attire and business suits, created a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures.
The corner of the main auditorium was packed with fluttering national flags, and speeches were translated into multiple languages. The magnificent main hall featured an impressive giant electronic screen.
On the evening of April 15th (local time) in beautiful Istanbul, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and the high-level Vietnamese delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 152nd IPU General Assembly with the theme "Nurturing hope, ensuring peace and protecting justice for future generations".
Attending the opening ceremony were Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus, IPU President Tulia Ackson, IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, and nearly 80 presidents and vice-presidents of IPU member parliaments.
The discussions were lively, focusing on Middle East peace, sustainable economics, women's rights, and youth. The atmosphere was solemn yet warm, full of hope, with numerous parliamentary diplomatic activities aimed at connecting peoples amidst a turbulent world.
Ancient Istanbul, with its Bosphorus Bridge connecting Europe and Asia, symbolizes solidarity, connection, and sharing more than ever before. In his message to the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the central role of parliaments in translating multilateral commitments into concrete actions at the national level, thereby strengthening the effectiveness of the multilateral system.
He emphasized that international cooperation, dialogue, and inclusive governance are key elements in addressing global challenges, and proposed strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and parliaments to enhance accountability and public trust. The 152nd IPU General Assembly is an event of historical importance with a topical theme, not only globally but also directly linked to significant developments in the region.
In her opening remarks, IPU President Tulia affirmed the central role of parliaments in building consensus, leading policy, and shaping global solutions, while calling on parliaments to identify three key directions: promoting inclusiveness, persistent dialogue, and long-term action for future generations, thereby strengthening multilateralism with the United Nations at its center.
IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong and many other leaders also discussed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting peace, cooperation, and development in regions and around the world, through dialogue and cooperation, building trust, and sharing experiences.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man delivered an important speech at the General Debate of the 152nd IPU General Assembly on the theme "Nurturing Hope, Ensuring Peace and Protecting Justice for Future Generations." The Chairman affirmed that this year's theme reflects a message that is both timely and urgent, as the world is witnessing increasing instability and conflict due to geopolitical competition, causing suffering and loss to millions of people. While disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) offer many development opportunities, they also pose new demands in management and governance…
The Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam stated: Common agendas such as the Document for the Future and the 2030 Agenda continue to be the foundation of global collective action. Through the Declaration of the 6th Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, IPU member parliaments reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation for peace, justice, and prosperity for all. The Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam suggested that the IPU and its member parliaments should further strengthen cooperation and solidarity internationally, reinforce the rule of law, and support national initiatives for peace and development.
The message from the leaders of the Vietnamese National Assembly emphasized strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, promoting dialogue, building trust and friendship among nations; preventing and resolving the root causes of conflict; and respecting the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. This message received the support and consensus of many parliamentary leaders from other countries and international organizations.
Over the past few days, the Vietnamese delegation has been actively involved in various activities at the IPU Executive Council sessions, the IPU Standing Committee sessions, and numerous forums and seminars.
Vietnam has put forward an initiative to enhance the resilience and strategic autonomy of its economy, emphasizing the role of parliament in perfecting the legal framework, supporting businesses, and placing the people at the center.
We clearly felt the thoughtful, respectful, and hospitable welcome that the high-ranking leaders and people of Türkiye extended to the Vietnamese delegation and other international delegations.
Leaders of various countries congratulated Turkey on its development achievements, appreciating its role and position on the international stage, especially through hosting many important events in 2026. Despite the short timeframe, this visit has significantly strengthened cooperation between the legislative bodies of Vietnam and Turkey.
The Chairman of the National Assembly of our country and the leaders of your country agreed to maintain regular exchanges of delegations between leaders of the National Assembly/Parliament and relevant agencies to enhance mutual understanding, share legislative experiences and improve institutions, and coordinate the monitoring of the implementation of agreements.
The Turkish President and other Turkish leaders affirmed that Türkiye values its relationship with Vietnam and wishes to promote bilateral relations to a new level. Affirming the significant potential for cooperation between the two countries, the leaders expressed their strong determination to make economics, trade, and investment important pillars of cooperation, creating favorable conditions to achieve the goal of increasing bilateral trade to US$4 billion, and continuing to encourage Turkish businesses to invest in Vietnam.
On a cold April night, from afar, the Bosphorus Bridge in the heart of the capital of our neighboring country resembles a ribbon of light connecting two continents, Asia and Europe, creating a unique wonder. More than just a magnificent engineering feat, this legendary bridge deserves to be a symbol of the connection between civilizations, history, and people. Standing on the bridge, one truly feels the heartbeat of two continents within one city! The Bosphorus Bridge is an enduring symbol of Istanbul, where the dream of unity and connection for peace between nations is realized.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/nhip-cau-ket-doan-va-vi-hoa-binh-post956730.html
Comment (0)