NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man's speech marking 80 years of Vietnam's first Constitution

Distinguished Comrade To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,

Distinguished leaders of the Party, the State and the Vietnam Fatherland Front,

Officers and soldiers of the armed forces, voters and people across the country, and Vietnamese compatriots overseas,

The National Assembly would like to express its sincere gratitude to General Secretary and President To Lam for his important speech commemorating the 80th anniversary of the National Assembly's adoption of the first Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. His remarks reaffirmed the value of the 1946 Constitution, both in terms of constitutional drafting techniques and its ideological, political and legal significance, while calling for continued innovation in constitutional and legislative activities. The National Assembly fully acknowledges and will earnestly implement the comprehensive and profound guidance provided by the General Secretary and President.

Distinguished National Assembly deputies, voters and people across the country,

Throughout more than 80 years of development, the National Assembly has gradually renewed its thinking and methods of operation, adopting five Constitutions and nearly 700 laws. Every Constitution, law, resolution and decision of the National Assembly has been closely linked to the destiny of the nation, harmoniously combining "the Party's will and the people's aspirations". These legislative achievements embody the strength of the great national unity bloc, as well as the trust and legitimate aspirations of people from all walks of life.

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam set out the task of "studying comprehensive amendments to the 2013 Constitution to ensure its alignment with practical realities and the country's development requirements in the new era". It also identified the development and enforcement of laws as "the breakthrough among breakthroughs".

The National Assembly will continue to make far-reaching changes in both its thinking and actions, constantly improving the quality of its constitutional and legislative work. It will take the lead in institutional reform, conduct thorough research before deciding on difficult issues, new matters and areas without precedent, and create an enabling framework for innovation. These efforts will help ensure effective and efficient governance, paving the way for rapid and sustainable national development.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, with the support of the people and close coordination with the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuracy, ministries, sectors and localities, as well as experts, scientists and policymakers, the 16th National Assembly will continue to strive with determination to fulfil its assigned responsibilities.

With the high sense of responsibility, democratic spirit and creativity of National Assembly deputies, the 16th National Assembly will work to live up to the trust placed in it by the Party, the State and the people. It will make an important contribution, alongside the entire Party, people and armed forces, to realising the aspiration of building Vietnam into a peaceful, independent, democratic, prosperous, strong, flourishing, civilised and happy country, steadily advancing towards socialism.

I wish General Secretary and President To Lam, leaders of the Party, the State and the Vietnam Fatherland Front, National Assembly deputies, distinguished guests, officers and soldiers of the armed forces, voters and people across the country, and Vietnamese compatriots overseas good health, happiness, and further achievements and successes.

Thank you very much.