ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan–Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG), led by Convener Ms. Saba Sadiq, MNA, held a high-level meeting with H.E. Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to Pakistan, at the National Assembly. The session focused on deepening parliamentary ties and exploring avenues for enhanced trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity.
Attending members of the Friendship Group included Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, Mr. Sadiq Ali Memon, Ms. Akhtar Bibi, Ms. Shaista Khan, Ms. Asia Naz Tanoli, and Ms. Shahnaz Saleem Malik.
In her opening remarks, the Convener highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Viet Nam and emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing government-to-government engagement. She underlined that inter-parliamentary cooperation could serve as a platform for advancing trade, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding, while also expressing the desire for the formation of a counterpart Parliamentary Friendship Group in Viet Nam.
Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Viet Nam’s dedication to enhancing bilateral ties. He pointed to opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, renewable energy, digital technology, and cultural initiatives, stressing the importance of parliamentary interaction and people-to-people connectivity.
Members of the Friendship Group discussed sector-specific cooperation, including textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, halal products, and tourism. They highlighted the potential for business-to-business engagement, joint ventures, trade delegations, and direct air connectivity to strengthen commercial and tourism exchanges.
Cultural collaboration was also emphasized, with invitations extended to explore Pakistan’s heritage sites, including Taxila and the Gandhara civilization. The members discussed the potential for exhibitions, cultural programs, and institutional partnerships to foster mutual appreciation of shared history.
The meeting also featured virtual participation by Ms. Faiza Akhtar, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan in Viet Nam, who highlighted trade engagement, academic linkages, and the need for sustained coordination between commercial and diplomatic channels. The session concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continuous parliamentary dialogue and structured interaction to further strengthen Pakistan–Viet Nam relations across multiple sectors.
