Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Thanh held a series of diplomatic activities and bilateral meetings on the occasion of her participation in the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York on March 10 (local time).

Specifically, Thanh met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the UN General Assembly Philémon Yang, Vice Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament Dzhamilia Isaeva, President of the Lao Women's Union Aly Vongnobountham, and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN Gabriele Giordano Caccia.

During her meetings with the UN leaders, the NA Vice Chairwoman shared her assessments of the challenges facing international cooperation in addressing current global issues and reaffirmed Vietnam's strong support for multilateralism, with the UN playing a central role in coordinating global efforts.

She proposed practical measures to strengthen cooperation between the two sides, and enhance connections between parliamentary cooperation mechanisms to further tighten the bond between the Vietnamese legislature and the UN's major goals and activities.

Additionally, Thanh recommended creating opportunities for more Vietnamese, including women, to work at UN agencies, while also urging the UN to support the role and efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in ensuring regional security, including compliance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On this occasion, she forwarded a letter from State President Luong Cuong to Guterres, inviting the UN Secretary-General to make an official visit to Vietnam in 2025. Guterres accepted the invitation and expressed his eagerness to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

Meanwhile, Yang praised Vietnam for its strong development, respect for international law, good relations with all countries, and positive contributions to international peace, security, and the sustainable development of the world. He emphasised cooperation between Vietnam and Cameroon, particularly in the areas where Vietnam excels, such as science and technology and telecommunications. He said he is impressed by the country's efforts and achievements in gender equality.

The UN leaders also recognised Vietnam's position and role in ASEAN, affirming their support for ASEAN's centrality in the regional security architecture and strengthening ASEAN-UN cooperation. They expressed support for increasing the number of Vietnamese people working for the UN.

Meeting the Vice Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament, Thanh proposed the two legislative bodies strengthen exchanges of high-level delegations, specialised committees, and parliamentarians to share experiences in parliamentary operations, particularly in the areas of legislative affairs and oversight. She also suggested coordinating with and supporting each other at multilateral parliamentary forums, considering the establishment of a Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, and promoting bilateral relations, especially in economy, trade, investment, tourism, education and training, and culture.

Isaeva proposed strengthening bilateral cooperation in education and training, including the implementation of the recently signed agreement in this field. She also expressed the desire for Vietnam to support Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, as well as her country's initiatives and events in 2025 related to the environment, climate change, and the development of mountainous areas.

At her meeting with the President of the Lao Women's Union, Thanh proposed that the two parliaments continue to promote bilateral collaboration and closely coordinate at multilateral parliamentary forums. She also suggested that the two women’s unions strengthen cooperation, coordinate closely, and support each other. Furthermore, she took this occasion to invite the Lao side to attend the ASEAN Confederation of Women's Organisations (ACWO) Board of Directors Meeting in May 2025.

The Lao official affirmed the continued close cooperation with Vietnamese agencies and organisations, thus contributing to nurturing the special friendship between the two parties, governments, and peoples.

Receiving Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Thanh affirmed the importance of and expressed delight at the recent developments in the Vietnam-Vatican relationship, congratulating the Catholic Church on the occasion of the 2025 Holy Year, with messages of hope.

The Archbishop affirmed that the Vatican values its relationship with Vietnam and is committed to continuing to implement the messages, teachings, and letters of the Popes to the Vietnamese Catholic community.

On March 11, the NA Vice Chairwoman is expected to deliver an important speech at a general debate of the CSW’s 69th session./.