(VOVworld) - The 8th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) opened in Phnom Penh on Wednesday under the theme of “Promoting Peace, Reconciliation and Dialogue in Asia”.

At the opening ceremony (Photo: VNA)

The meeting has attracted delegates from 19 regional countries, observers and international organizations. Chairman of the Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin said the APA is expected to have a positive impact on reconciliation and the fight against terrorism in the region and the world: “The presence of the delegations show our common will in building a stable and peaceful Asia, resolving conflicts in peaceful means and respecting each other. This is a major solution preferred by countries, avoiding the use of violence and armed race which further complicates the regional situation”.

The Chairman of Pakistan’s Upper House of Parliament who is Chairman of the  Asian Parliamentary Assembly, handed over the presidency to Chairman Heng Samrin.

During the three-day event, regional lawmakers will discuss and exchange views on political, economic and social affairs, among others.

The Vietnamese delegation is led by Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Affairs Tran Van Hang.