The issue dominated the discussion at the 2^nd unofficial meeting between leaders of AIPA and ASEAN which was held at the Dusit Thani-Huahin Hotel, Thailand on October 23.

The theme of the discussion prepared by the Vietnamese delegation conforms to the common desire of ASEAN member states which aspire to form an ASEAN Community by 2015 based on the 3 main pillars of security-politics, economics and culture-society.

Delegates also agreed that relations between AIPA and ASEAN should be widened in such fields as environment, healthcare and education, especially coordination to resolve issues caused by the global economic crisis. 

The Thai delegation added that it was also necessary to promote mutual understanding and respect among cultures and religions in the region.