Vietnamese legislators headed by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) yesterday morning upon the invitation of the Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri for a three day official visit from November 23 to November 25, 2022.
It was reported that Chairman Hue and his delegation is the first official visit to the country after 16 years.
NA Chairman Hue is also one of the first foreign parliamentary leaders to visit the Philippines after general elections that were successfully held in May and new leaders were elected to its House of Representatives and Senate in July.
Airport source said that the aircraft carrying the Vietnamese delegation was about to disembark at Villamor Air Base but they were not permitted and instead disembarked at the NAIA old balagbag due to non-coordination with the protocol officials.
This visit to the Philippines by the top Vietnamese legislator and the high-ranking Vietnamese NA delegation will contribute to promoting and deepening the joint strategic partnership. This is along with stepping up bilateral and multilateral ties between the two legislatures amid complicated regional and international developments.
Immediately after his arrival at the airport, NA Chairman Hue is scheduled to hold talks with the Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives.
It was also reported that the Philippine House of Representatives will duly announce its newly-signed Resolution 571 on promoting mutual relations, including a decision to establish the Philippines-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group.
This resolution will therefore help to strengthen the exchange of high-level delegations between the two countries, especially the parliamentary exchange, whilst simultaneously reinforcing ties between the two nations, including the appointment of leaders and members of the Friendship Parliamentary G
As an ASEAN member, the Philippines greatly appreciated the importance of maintaining links with other member states, especially those with Vietnam. Indeed, long-term friendship, solidarity, and co-operation with East Asian nations is an important component to achieving peace and prosperity in the region.
During the official visit to the Philippines, NA Chairman Hue will hold meetings with senior Philippine leaders, business representatives, and those of the Vietnamese Community in the Philippines, as well as attending the Economic Cooperation Forum and visiting the Vietnamese Embassy. (JERRY S. TAN)