AIPA Committee on Political Matters holds online meeting hinh anh 1Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Do Ba Ty (centre) chairs the meeting (Source: VNA) 

Hanoi (VNA) - An online meeting of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)’s Committee on Political Matters was held in Hanoi on September 9 with the theme “Parliamentary diplomacy for peace and sustainable security in ASEAN”.

The meeting was held within the framework of the 41st General Assembly of AIPA (AIPA-41).

Addressing the meeting, Vice Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) Do Ba Ty placed emphasis on AIPA’s significant role in supporting and accompanying ASEAN in the process of integration, building the ASEAN Community, and contributing to regional peace, stability, prosperity, and sustainable development over the last 43 years.

In the context of complicated developments in the world situation, and particularly the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, AIPA and ASEAN have exhibited close coordination in promoting cohesiveness and responsiveness within the bloc, he said.

He lauded the Committee on Political Matters’ agenda, which he said would contribute to AIPA’s vision towards a sustainable peace in the region and the world and prosperity for all.

Member of the Vietnamese NA’s Committee for External Relations and Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said AIPA member parliaments will make further efforts to promote parliamentary diplomacy as well as cooperation among countries, and between legislative and executive bodies, with a view to enhancing peace, security and a transparent, rules-based and ASEAN-centred regional structure.

AIPA member states and host Vietnam discussed a wide range of issues relating to parliamentary diplomacy, including traditional and non-traditional security issues, and compliance with international rules as well as commitments to ensure regional and global peace and security.

Regarding the East Sea issue, member parliaments voiced their support of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the waters, and underscored the necessity to obey laws, build trust, use peaceful means to settle disputes based on international rules, fully carry out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and work toward an effective and binding Code of Conduct in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Representatives from member parliaments affirmed they will continue to work to enhance ASEAN’s capacity in dealing with traditional and non-traditional challenges, and promote parliamentary diplomacy so as to stabilise peace and prosperity.

Outcomes of the meeting will be presented at the second plenary session of AIPA 41./.
VNA