Vientiane, October 19, 2024 — The Europe Today: National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn met with Igor Sergeyenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus, in Vientiane on October 19, during the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45).
In the meeting, Mẫn extended his congratulations to Belarus for successfully conducting the House of Representatives election in February 2024 and praised Sergeyenko on his election as Chairman. He expressed confidence that Sergeyenko would thrive in his new role and positively influence Việt Nam-Belarus relations.
Mẫn highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to nurturing the traditional friendship and cooperation with Belarus, a relationship that has been cultivated over more than 30 years by the leaders and citizens of both countries. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s view of Belarus as a trusted friend and partner, emphasizing the desire to enhance cooperation across various sectors.
Sergeyenko echoed Mẫn’s sentiments, stressing that Belarus values its cooperation with Việt Nam and aims to expand collaboration in multiple areas, based on their longstanding relationship.
He expressed hope for Vietnam’s support in promoting Belarus’s engagement with ASEAN. Regarding parliamentary cooperation, Sergeyenko suggested that the two sides enhance collaboration through parliamentary friendship channels and implement online exchanges soon.
The Belarusian leader conveyed an invitation from the President of Belarus for Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm to visit Belarus, as well as an invitation for Mẫn to visit Belarus in the near future.
Mẫn, on behalf of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, expressed gratitude for the Belarusian National Assembly’s delegation attending the funeral of Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng in July and for their condolences following the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi.
He reiterated Vietnam’s readiness to act as a bridge to strengthen cooperation between Belarus and ASEAN. Mẫn commended the Belarusian legislative body for establishing a new working group for cooperation with the Vietnamese National Assembly, expressing optimism that this collaboration would enhance the exchange of law-making experiences and deepen mutual understanding of each legislative mechanism. He proposed that the two groups engage in exchanges, meetings, and develop specific action plans soon.
In closing, Mẫn invited Sergeyenko to make an official visit to Vietnam to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between their nations.
