Delegates to the 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-44) in a group photo. (Photo: VNA)In his message, President Thuong highly evaluated AIPA and its member parliaments' support for the efforts of ASEAN member countries’ governments inovercoming numerous challenges and difficulties to become a united and strong organisationthat has played an increasingly important role and position in the region and in the internationalarena.
He expressed his hope that AIPA will continue to support ASEAN in promotingmultilateral connections, upholding the respect for law, and making positivecontributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.
On this occasion, President Thuong affirmed that Vietnam pledges to actively, effectively, and responsibly participate in allforums, and expressed his belief that AIPA-44 would be a success.
At the 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-44). (Photo: VNA)Of the delegates, there are parliament heads of nine ASEANmember countries and representatives from 17 observers and guest countriestogether with nine international organisations.
In her remarks, AIPA Secretary-General SitiRozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman urged AIPA members to commit tostrengthening adaptability and coordination with the ASEAN member nations' governmentsin addressing issues affecting the region, in maintaining security andstability and bringing prosperity to all people in the region.
She expressed her belief that AIPA will continue to play its vital role inbetter responding to the demands and aspirations of the regional people.
In her opening speech, Speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani affirmed that AIPA-44 was an opportunity for the parliaments of the Southeast Asian countries to strengthen their commitment to respond to global and regional challenges and issues.
She said that AIPA will work for the people's aspirations for a safe, peaceful, prosperous, healthy, civilized, and friendly life, and at the same time, find common points for commitments despite differences among member countries.
Emphasising that stability is a prerequisite for economic development and growth in Southeast Asia, contributing to global economic stability and growth, the Chair of AIPA 43 pledged that AIPA will continue to promote necessary commitments to maintain and ensure a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asia.
In his messageto AIPA-44, Indonesian President Joko Widodo reaffirmed his country’s commitmentas the ASEAN Chair in 2023 to turn ASEAN into an epicentre of growth. He alsoemphasised the crucial role and contributions of AIPA in realising thiscommitment.
He emphasised that, in the current context, ASEAN needs to coordinate closelywith AIPA and its member parliaments to maintain unity, strengthen cooperation,build mutual trust, and become a leading force in efforts to maintain peace andstability in the region./.
VNA
