40th AIPA General Assembly concludes, Vietnam becomes Chair

ABO/VNA – The 40th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) wrapped up in Bangkok on August 29.

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) receives the AIPA chairmanship token for 2019-2020 from Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives Chuan Leekpai. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan expressed her honour to receive the AIPA chairmanship for 2019-2020 from Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives Chuan Leekpai.

She congratulated Chuan Leekpai, who is also Chair of AIPA 40, and Thai parliamentarians on the successful organisation of the activities within the framework of the AIPA 40, especially the General Assembly.

Ngan said their efforts have helped further increase the involvement of parliamentarians in reinforcing a peaceful and stable environment in Southeast Asia, as well as contributing to the building of a self-reliant, dynamic and sustainable ASEAN Community.

The ASEAN has overcome difficult periods to steadfastly build a common community, she said, calling on AIPA parliamentarians to uphold the spirit of solidarity and maintain the central role of the regional grouping in addressing regional matters, abide by international law, implement preventive diplomatic measures, and cooperate for development.

The NA leader added that the AIPA will continue promoting its role, legislative function, supervision, and decision of necessary budgets and resources, while accompanying governments in the ASEAN for an ASEAN Community of cohesion, innovation, creativity and adaption to the era of science and technology 4.0, and towards sustainable development for the benefits of every people.

She further said that 2020 will be a year to review the five-year development of the ASEAN Community since its establishment in 2015 and to draw experience from the five subsequent years.

It will also be a special year for Vietnam when the country both holds the position of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Chair of ASEAN, and Chair of AIPA 41.

Therefore, the National Assembly of Vietnam will continue innovating AIPA activities as well as increasing the role and position of the AIPA in building the ASEAN community, Ngan said.

She added that through activities within the framework of the AIPA, Vietnam will continue enhancing cooperation between the AIPA and the ASEAN, international organisations and multilateral cooperation mechanisms to boost the implementation of commitments and plans outlined in the building of the ASEAN Community, with a vision to 2025.

With the support of AIPA members, the National Assembly of Vietnam will host the first meeting of AIPA young parliamentarians and connect the AIPA with the ASEAN and youngsters of the bloc, she added.

In that spirit, Ngan said the National Assembly will do its utmost to successfully host the role of AIPA Chair and expects close coordination of the Thai parliament and other member parliaments of the AIPA as well as the AIPA Secretariat and ASEAN Secretariat to build a prosperous ASEAN Community.

Ngan said she hopes to welcome delegates to the 41st General Assembly of AIPA in Vietnam in 2020.

Chuan Leekpai said Vietnam has made significant contributions to ASEAN and affirmed to cooperate with the Vietnamese top legislator to build a strong, solid, and sustainable ASEAN Community in the future.

Earlier the same day, NA Chairwoman Ngan attended the second plenary session of the 40th General Assembly of AIPA.

(Source: VNA)