Pakistan and Vietnam Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Launch of Parliamentary Friendship

Islamabad – In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Ministry of Human Rights hosted H.E. Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Pakistan, for a meeting with Ms. Saba Sadiq, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Convener of the Pakistan–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group. The visit marked a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations through inter-parliamentary dialogue and regional cooperation.

Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan was accompanied by Mr. Truong Van Thang, First Secretary at the Embassy of Vietnam in Islamabad. The Ministry warmly welcomed the delegation and extended its heartfelt congratulations on the establishment of the Vietnam–Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group—hailed as a vital step in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the two nations.

Ms. Saba Sadiq emphasized that the group, which includes members from major political parties such as PML-N and PPP, is a reflection of Pakistan’s bipartisan commitment to diplomacy, democratic values, and regional engagement. “This Friendship Group is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a bridge of cooperation between our parliaments and peoples,” she stated.

The Pakistan–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group is envisioned as a platform to enhance cooperation in diverse sectors including human rights advocacy, education, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. It also aims to promote mutual learning through legislative collaboration and the sharing of parliamentary best practices that encourage inclusive development.

Strategically, the group holds broader foreign policy significance as Vietnam—being a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—offers Pakistan an opportunity to deepen its diplomatic and economic outreach in Southeast Asia. Strengthening such partnerships aligns with Pakistan’s long-term goals of fostering regional integration, boosting economic connectivity, and projecting soft power diplomacy.

The meeting also included a discussion on Pakistan’s evolving economic trajectory under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s leadership. Ms. Saba Sadiq noted that the Prime Minister remains committed to forging international partnerships that contribute to sustainable development, economic resilience, and regional harmony.

The meeting concluded with expressions of goodwill and a mutual affirmation to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and Vietnam through sustained parliamentary dialogue and strategic engagement.