Hanoi (VNA) – National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s attendance at the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) is expected to affirm the Vietnamese legislature’s role in and its practical contributions to AIPA.
It also aims to underscore the country’s role and position, as well as that of its legislative body, within regional and global parliamentary cooperation mechanisms.
Responsible contributions
Since joining the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation (AIPO), the predecessor of AIPA, on September 19, 1995, the NA has actively and responsibly contributed to strengthening the central role, unity, and solidarity of the organisation, and to promoting intra-region cooperation.
The Vietnamese legislature has also expanded its multifaceted relations with its counterparts both within and beyond the region.
It has proposed numerous initiatives at AIPA General Assembly sessions and activities. Notably, Vietnam introduced the idea of establishing an AIPA Advisory Group to provide guidance on legal harmonisation, monitor the implementation of AIPA resolutions, and enhance the relations between the organisation and ASEAN.
Vietnam successfully hosted the AIPO-23 in 2002, and the AIPA-31 and 41 in 2010 and 2020. It is noteworthy that at the 41st session, it proposed two key initiatives – organising a Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians to provide a platform for young legislators to voice their opinions and contribute more effectively to addressing regional issues, and connecting AIPA activities with those of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), aligning these efforts with the implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Through the initiatives, Vietnam seeks to establish an annual forum within AIPA to exchange ideas and identify effective measures to push ahead with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in ASEAN.
Meanwhile, participating in AIPA activities helps the Southeast Asian nation gain valuable experience and tangible benefits that contribute to the successful implementation of its open foreign policy.
The inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanism has also contributed to enhancing friendship, mutual understanding, and trust between Vietnamese legislators and their foreign peers, as well as between Vietnam and others in the region.
Through AIPA activities, Vietnam has promoted its image and showcased the unique aspects of its people, culture, and landscape to friends and partners both in the region and around the world.
Vietnam to propose four initiatives/resolutions
The 45th session is taking place from October 17 to 23 in Vientiane under the theme "The Role of Parliaments in Enhancing Connectivity and Inclusive Growth of ASEAN”.
Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Committee for External Relations Le Thu Ha said Vietnam is poised to propose four initiatives/resolutions at various AIPA meetings, namely AIPA Young Parliamentarians’ Meeting, the AIPA Committee on Social Matters, the AIPA Conference of Women Parliamentarians, and the AIPA Committee on Economic Matters.
They include a resolution on enhancing the role of ASEAN young parliamentarians in implementing the Declaration of the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians on accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals through digital transformation and innovation; a resolution on enhancing rights, social welfare, and employment opportunities for older persons in ASEAN; a resolution on promoting the elimination of violence against women and girls in ASEAN; and another on enhancing institutional capacity to connect transportation, aviation and seaports in ASEAN.
The Vietnamese delegation will also consider co-sponsoring six resolutions, including five proposed by Laos and one jointly proposed by Indonesia, Laos, and Malaysia./.
