Vietnam calls on AIPA to increase support for building ASEAN Community

Vietnam has called upon the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) members to forge ahead with cooperation with and urge the governments of ASEAN member states to fulfill the mission of building key pillars for the ASEAN Community.

AIPA members should promote their role as representative offices for the will and aspiration of people in each country to reinforce solidarity and determine a deeper integration roadmap for the bloc in the years to come, said Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Huynh Ngoc Son while speaking at the first plenary session of the 36 th AIPA General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on September 8.

Son noted that over the past few years, AIPA has continually enhanced cooperation between parliamentary members and with ASEAN in realising the target of building the ASEAN Community on three key pillars: Security-Politics, Economy, and Culture-Society, saying the close coordination between a government and its parliament plays a crucial role in the field.

He added that lawmakers are responsible for fine-tuning legal frameworks to strengthen regional connections and support the governments of ASEAN member nations to successfully implement the ASEAN Community Vision of peace, stability and prosperity.

The Vietnamese legislator mentioned the region’s deep concerns over emerging challenges such as the recent bombing in Bangkok, Thailand, the immigration crisis in Southeast Asia and escalating tension in the East Sea.

With the spirit of solidarity, cooperation and consensus, Vietnam believes that the ASEAN Community will continue to promote its strength and double its efforts to complete the remaining tasks and harmonise the interests of each country with that of ASEAN for the common goal of the community, Son said.

Vietnam agreed with the theme “Engaging a People-Oriented, People-Centred ASEAN Community towards Inclusiveness” and the agenda contents of the 36 th AIPA General Assembly, he added.

He proposed AIPA expand its support for the governments of ASEAN member states to implement the post-2015 ASEAN Community Vision and design national policies to promote sustainable development factors.

Son concluded that to increase understanding and connections between people of the bloc, it is necessary to increase AIPA cooperation and promulgate legal documents on carrying out AIPA resolutions while harmonising laws within ASEAN, increasing parliamentary information exchanges and improving the supervision of the realisation of governmental commitments and activities to ensure the sustainable future growth of the community.-VNA