Hanoi (VNA) – National Assembly Chairwoman NguyenThi Kim Ngan chaired a meeting on January 8 to review the preparation of the 26thAnnual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26).

At the function, reports from relevant sub-committees forreception, logistics, information – communications, and medical care showedthat preparation work have been basically completed in line with requiredstandards.

Six APPF-26 draft resolutions have also been done. Thedocuments focus on APPF’s role in boosting partnerships for sustainable andinclusive growth in Asia-Pacific, improving cultural-tourism cooperation in theregion, and intensifying joint actions for climate change adaptation. They alsodeal with food security – sustainable farming, parliamentary role in promotingextensive and inclusive economic connectivity in the region, and theenhancement of parliamentary diplomacy for regional and global peace, security,and prosperity.

Addressing the meeting, Ngan, who is also APPF Chair for2017 – 2018, acknowledged efforts made by relevant agencies in preparation forthe event, particularly the prompt completion of the draft resolutions.

The resolutions are linked together and reflect activecontribution of Vietnam to the APPF, she said.

The top legislator stressed the APPF-26 has importantmeaning and is a practical action of APPF members in support of the Da NangDeclaration on Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future. The declarationwas issued by the 25th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang in Novemberlast year.

The APPF-26 will discuss cooperation across economics,culture, and sustainable and inclusive development toward the issuance of a jointdeclaration, Ngan noted.

She urged the sub-committees continue examining andfinishing their work to be ready for the upcoming APPF-26.

The APPF meeting will take place in Hanoi from January 18-21under the theme of “Parliamentary partnership for peace, innovation and sustainabledevelopment”.

The APPF was officially formed in Tokyo, Japan, in 1993.

The forum now gathers 27 members: Australia, Cambodia,Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan,Laos, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia, NewZealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, the RoK, Russia, Singapore,Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.

The mechanism aims to directly assist the APEC, contributingto peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

The APPF is a mechanism that enables parliamentarians todiscuss issues of common concern, and to deepen their understanding of theregion and the interests and experience of its diverse members. The forum’sproceedings address political, security, economic, social and cultural issues,thus furthering regional cooperation and building relations between and amongparliamentarians from the Asia-Pacific region.-VNA