(VOV) - National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu joined legislators from 28 members of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) at the organization’s 21^st meeting in Russia on Monday.

In his speech, Luu stressed that the Asia-Pacific region is under threat of political and security instability, and regional cooperation mechanisms are not yet strong enough to overcome traditional and non-traditional challenges. He welcomed initiatives proposed at the forum, saying APPF-21 will help regional law-makers share experience and devise cooperation measures, contributing to peace, security, prosperity and development in the region and the world. Regarding East Sea issues, Luu added that sea disputes should be settled peacefully in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and with respect for sovereignty and the legitimate rights of all coastal nations.