Hanoi (VNA)⛦ – With many special features, the first session of the 15th National Assembly (NA) kicked off on the morning of July 20.

The session takes place as the whole country is working actively to implement the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress. It follows the successful elections of deputies to the 15th NA and all-level People’s Councils for the 2021 - 2026 tenure. Besides, the entire political system and people are exerting efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also an important session as it lays the foundation for the parliament’s activities during the 15th term. Notably, legislators will elect and vote on leadership personnel of State agencies, discuss reports on the socio-economic situation, and make decisions on some other important issues. Given this, all measures necessary for the success of this session have been taken. All the deputies have to wear face masks to ensure safety from COVID-19 during the session. NA Secretary General and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong said the parliament’s meetings are important, but combating the pandemic and protecting people’s health and lives are even more essential. Therefore, several legislators who are key officials of the localities facing complex COVID-19 developments are absent from the first session of the 15th NA so as to focus on local pandemic prevention and control activities. Some others who previously had contact with COVID-19 patients are also not present to ensure safety for all, Cuong noted. He added that the NA Office also requested all deputies get tested for the coronavirus disease thrice before taking part in the first session. In addition, those from the localities that are imposing social distancing under the Prime Minister’s Directives 15 or 16 must take two more tests when arriving in Hanoi. They also stay at different hotels, go by different vehicles, move through different entrances, and sit at a designated area to guarantee safety. Forces serving the session, those working at the hotels accommodating NA deputies, and reporters covering the meeting were also demanded to get vaccinated against and tested negative for COVID-19. The press centre was previously placed at the basement of the NA building. However, due to the pandemic, it has been replaced to the NA Office’s headquarters at No 22 on Hung Vuong street. Reporters are also arranged to sit at a distance, Cuong said, adding that there are two electric buggies moving between the NA Office and the NA building to serve reporters. Talking about the 15th NA, Nguyen Thi Thanh, head of the deputy affairs board of the NA Standing Committee, said 296 of the 499 elected deputies won the election for the first time, accounting for nearly 60 percent. Fifty positions in the State apparatus will be elected or approved at this first session, she added. Delivering the opening remarks on July 20, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue highlighted the elections of deputies to the 15th NA and all-level People’s Councils for 2021 - 2026, saying the voter turnout of 99.6 percent reflects the public’s high sense of responsibility and trust in the Party and State. He described the success of the elections as a demonstration of the strength of the great national unity bloc. Pointing out difficulties and challenges facing the country amidst the fourth wave of COVID-19 outbreaks, he urged deputies of the 15th NA to uphold their sense of responsibility and raise initiatives to help the parliament improve its operational quality and efficiency. The success of the first session will create important premise and momentum for legislative activities in the 15th tenure, he added./.