Laos hails success of AIPA-45 chairmanship, resolutions adopted 

The 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) yielded productive results, with 37 resolutions considered and adopted after a series of meetings held in Vientiane on Saturday.

National Assembly President Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane hands over his position as President of the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly to his Malaysian counterpart, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, with Malaysia set to chair the ASEAN bloc and its meetings next year.

The President of Laos’ National Assembly, which chaired the event, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, gave a press conference following the close of discussions.
He outlined the draft resolutions and matters involving political and economic affairs, and other important areas of work that had been agreed to by AIPA members and their external partners.
“As the President of the Lao National Assembly and President of the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, I am honoured and pleased to give this press conference on the success of this important meeting to publicise the outcomes,” Dr Xaysomphone said.
The General Assembly opened on October 17, with participants from ASEAN and external partners sharing their views under the theme “The Role of Parliaments in Enhancing Connectivity and Inclusive Growth of ASEAN”. This closely aligns with the theme of Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship this year, “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”.
“The meeting was honoured by the presence of President Thongloun Sisoulith, who addressed the opening ceremony. Also present were delegations led by the presidents of parliaments of other AIPA members together with other representatives,” Dr Xaysomphone said.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to the presidents of parliaments, heads of delegations, fellow members of parliament, representatives of international organisations and honoured guests who had participated in the meeting.
Dr Xaysomphone called on the members of ASEAN parliaments, observer parliaments and AIPA development partners to put into practice the resolutions and agreements adopted at the meeting, so that the expected outcomes were achieved.
He expressed the hope that comprehensive implementation of these outcomes would contribute to the development of the bloc through unity, harmony, equal development, and improved standards of living in the years to come.
These objectives underscore ASEAN’s commitment to advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, strengthening regional connectivity and resilience, and fostering infrastructure development alongside improvements in regulatory frameworks for the development of transport, telecommunications, energy cooperation, and other critical sectors.
“On this momentous occasion, I would like to bid farewell to my position as the President of the AIPA and wish all parliamentary speakers, heads of delegations, fellow members of parliament, representatives of international organisations and distinguished guests good health, happiness, and success in your honorable missions,” Dr Xaysomphone said.
He announced the close of the AIPA-45 meeting and handed over the presidential position to Malaysia, which will assume the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

ByTimes Reporters
 (Latest Update October 22, 2024)