AIPA-45 General Assembly opens in Vientiane, Laos
VOV.VN - The 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) opened at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Laos, with the participation of delegations from member parliaments, observers, and development partners of AIPA.
In his welcoming remarks, Laos National Assembly President and AIPA-45 President Saysomphone Phomvihane emphasized the importance of AIPA as a forum for exchanging strategic directions to realize the common goals of AIPA and ASEAN.
The AIPA-45 General Assembly takes place amid a complex and unpredictable international and regional landscape, presenting intertwined opportunities and challenges, including conflicts erupting in various regions, climate change, natural disasters, and economic-financial crises, he said, adding that in such a context, cooperation continues to be valued and is a prominent trend in relations among nations.
He highlighted the clear trend of solidarity and cooperation, evidenced by ASEAN’s efforts in implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, achieving positive progress in the deployment of the ASEAN Community Blueprint 2025, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan.
The AIPA-45 President affirmed the important role of AIPA as the legislative body representing the will and aspirations of the people of ASEAN member countries, with the core mission of supporting the bloc in pursuing common goals and delivering tangible benefits.
He expressed his belief that AIPA-45 themed “The Role of Parliaments in Enhancing Connectivity and Inclusive Growth of ASEAN,” will complement ASEAN’s collective cooperation efforts in line with the theme of the ASEAN Year 2024 that is “ASEAN - Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”.
This commitment demonstrates AIPA’s dedication to implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, enhancing regional connectivity, promoting infrastructure development, and improving the legal framework for transportation, telecommunications, energy connectivity, and other key areas. These initiatives facilitate trade, investment, tourism, and exchanges among the peoples of ASEAN member countries, fostering economic integration, narrowing the development gap, improving the quality of life, and contributing to a harmonious community that develops uniformly with open relations with external partners, he stressed.
Recognizing the strong connection between AIPA and ASEAN, the AIPA-45 President urged AIPA and ASEAN to increase cooperation and mutual support in fulfilling their missions, while promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development for the tangible benefits of their peoples.
Taking the floor, Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith emphasized the significance of the AIPA-45 theme in the broader context of ASEAN's collective efforts to realize the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, AIPA-45 will serve as an opportunity for the parliaments of member countries to engage in open and constructive discussions, enhance cooperation, and set the future direction of AIPA, helping to build a stronger, more connected, and resilient ASEAN Community that meets the interests and aspirations of its people, he stressed.
The General Secretary and President of Laos also expressed confidence that Timor-Leste’s prompt accession as a full member of ASEAN would further enhance the region’s potential and resilience.
Meanwhile, in his message delivered to the meeting, Party General Secretary and President To Lam of Vietnam appreciated AIPA’s significant contributions over the past nearly 50 years as a legislative body that supervises and assists in building a united and cohesive ASEAN Community for peace, cooperation, and prosperity, benefiting all people.
Emphasizing that ASEAN is at a crucial juncture in building the community, leading to significant transformations, the Vietnamese leader stressed the need to further enhance connectivity and mutual support between AIPA and ASEAN. He noted that ASEAN cooperation is an essential foundation for promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation, while AIPA cooperation serves as a driving force and provides a favourable framework to effectively support state diplomacy among ASEAN member countries and with ASEAN partners.
The Vietnamese National Assembly has actively and responsibly participated in AIPA activities, contributing to the building of a united, strong, and prosperous ASEAN Community, he affirmed.
