Atthe forum, Luu delivered a speech highlighting the risks of securityand political instability in the region while regional mechanisms remaininefficient to deal with traditional and non-traditional challenges.
He said that all maritime disputes need to be solvedpeacefully in accordance with international law, in particular the 1982United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), and in respect for thelegitimate interest and sovereignty of coastal countries.
Luu pointed to the necessity to improve the effectiveness of mechanisms and tools that ensure common security.
APPF needs to increase the effectiveness of its operations in theregion to maintain peace, security and development, and maximize thepower and potential of Asia-Pacific. It also needs to promote currentmechanisms by boosting dialogue and trust, including in the ASEANframework and between ASEAN and other partners, he added.
Luu affirmed that Vietnam attaches special importance tostrengthening democracy to increase the role and participation of peoplein political activities, especially in law making.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairperson of the Russia FederationCouncil Valentina Matvienko stressed that Russia values the role ofAsia-Pacific and will actively participate in increasing regionalconnectivity, especially in experience exchange and coordination inlegislative activities.
At three-dayAPPF-21, lawmakers from 28 member countries will discuss issues relatingto politics and security, economic trade ties, and inter-regionalcooperation in Asia-Pacific, as well as suggest future activities andselect the venue for APPF-22, which is scheduled to take place inJanuary, 2014.
Established in March, 1993, APPF is aforum for member-country parliamentarians to discuss measures topromote cooperation in the region to ensure peace and security, andboost cultural exchanges among nations.-VNA