Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman to Attend ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in the Philippines
National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn plans to attend the 47th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in Manila on November 17–18, 2026. Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lại Thái Bình said the meeting will address regional security, economic development and public welfare, while the two countries are expected to strengthen parliamentary cooperation.
Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn plans to lead a delegation to Manila, the Philippines, on November 17–18, 2026, to attend the 47th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. In an interview, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lại Thái Bình discussed the meeting’s agenda and progress in parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lại Thái Bình.（VietVance）
The Philippines holds the ASEAN chairmanship and the presidency of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in 2026. This year’s assembly focuses on building a peaceful, prosperous and people-centered ASEAN. Lại Thái Bình said national parliaments can use dialogue, exchanges of legislative experience and policy oversight to advance cooperation on cybersecurity, transnational crime, digital transformation and climate change.
Discussing bilateral cooperation, Lại Thái Bình said Vietnam’s National Assembly and the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives maintain exchanges of delegations and share experience in legislation and policy oversight. In November 2022, the Philippine House of Representatives passed a resolution establishing a Philippines–Vietnam parliamentary friendship group. A delegation from the Philippine Congressional Commission on Education Reform visited Vietnam on March 21–24, 2024, for a study visit and exchanges.
On June 1, 2026, Vietnam and the Philippines upgraded their bilateral relationship to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership.” Lại Thái Bình said their joint statement called for new cooperation mechanisms between the two countries’ legislatures and stronger bilateral and multilateral exchanges. He expects continued cooperation in areas including the maritime economy, food security, trade and education, as well as closer coordination through the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and other platforms.
On the South China Sea, Lại Thái Bình advocated parliamentary support in both countries for dialogue and cooperation to maintain regional peace, stability and navigational safety on the basis of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These are his expectations for future cooperation; the two sides have yet to advance the relevant mechanisms and initiatives.
Source: VietVance
