Implementing sustainable development goals (SDGs) is the responsibility of the entire parliament, each parliamentarian and the whole political system of each nation, stated National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung. He made the statement when co-chairing a panel discussion themed “Mainstreaming the SDGs in the budget and legislative process, overcoming silos, monitoring national and global progress through parliaments” within the framework of the fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in New York on September 2 morning (Vietnam time). The top Vietnamese legislator told participants that Vietnam has, to date, successfully completed the millennium development goals, particularly those relating to poverty reduction, and is working hard to implement the SDGs. The country is gradually restructuring its agricultural sector, building new-style rural areas and facilitating economic development of the ethnic minority groups while proactively addressing issues involved with gender equality, income equality gaps, and social safety and order. As one of the nations most affected by climate change, Vietnam is also exerting every effort to adapt to the phenomenon with the hope of receiving assistance from the international community, he added. He noted that the legislative body holds an important role in distributing the budget and resources and urged parliaments to accelerate SDG information dissemination to their people and set forth specific criteria to achieve efficient implementation. The same day, the Vietnamese NA leader had meetings with his Mongolian and Mozambican counterparts. Receiving Chairman of the Mongolian Parliament Zandaakhuu Enkhbold, he affirmed that Vietnam continually treasures and wants to work with Mongolia to lift bilateral relations to a new height in the interest of the two peoples. Congratulating Mongolia on being chosen to host the 11 th Asia-Europe Meeting in 2016, NA Chairman Hung confirmed Vietnam’s willingness to coordinate and share experiences with Mongolia to successfully organise the event as well as its wish to receive the country’s support at international parliamentary forums. Chairman Enkhbold, in turn, affirmed that Mongolia is willing to cooperate with Vietnam in implementing reached agreements and hopes to begin a political partnership with Asia, including Vietnam. While meeting Speaker of the Mozambican Parliament Veronica Macamo, Chairman Hung suggested the two countries continue creating favourable conditions for their investors, maintain regular senior meetings and visits and intensify close collaboration at regional and international forums and on issues of mutual concern. The Mozambican parliament hoped for the early signing of a cooperation agreement with the Vietnamese NA, under which the two sides can share legislative and supervision experience, Veronica Macamo said.-VNA