National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan - AIPA 41 President (Photo: VNA)

As schedule, the last working will have activities, including the adoption of the draft resolutions of committees, the formation of an AIPA young parliamentarians’ association, the presentation of devotion awards to those with outstanding contributions to the AIPA, and the admission of new AIPA observers. They will also sign a joint statement.

Host National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, AIPA 41 President, will deliver a closing speech before handing over the role of AIPA President to a representative of the next event’s host. She will also inform the working outcomes of AIPA President in 2020.

Meanwhile, participants will discuss the organisation of a meeting between the ASEAN Secretary-General with AIPA member parliaments, the adjustments of AIPA Regulations and Charter, as well as a project to reform AIPA Secretariat.

AIPA was initially the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation (AIPO), which was formed on September 2, 1977 in Manila, the Philippines, with five members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Its name was changed to ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in 2006.

The establishment of AIPO aimed at promoting collaboration among legislative bodies of regional countries as well as the sharing of information and experience in law-building, thus enhancing mutual understanding, friendship, solidarity, and unity among members.

Since Vietnam entered the assembly in Vietnam has actively engaged in AIPA activities since then, including hosting the 23rd and 31st AIPA General Assemblies in 2002 and 2010, respectively, as well as thematic meetings and committee-level meetings.

The AIPA 41 is themed “Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community”.

This is the third times that Vietnam has hosted an AIPA General Assembly.

AMM-53, related meetings enter second working day

The 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-53) and related meetings, held virtually, entered the second working day on September 10 with many issues high on the agenda.

During the day, regional officials are scheduled to engage in the ASEAN-US Ministerial Meeting, the ASEAN-Canada Ministerial Meeting, the ASEAN-Australia Ministerial Meeting, the ASEAN-New Zealand Ministerial Meeting, the dialogue between ASEAN foreign ministers and representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), and the ASEAN ministerial-level dialogue on promoting women’s role towards sustainable peace and security.

The dialogue between ASEAN foreign ministers and AICHR representatives will consider approving the AICHR Work Plan for 2021-2025 and the commission’s priority programmes for 2021. They will also look into the AICHR annual report 2020.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN ministerial dialogue on promoting women’s role towards sustainable peace and security follows the success of the ASEAN leaders’ special session on women’s empowerment at the 36th ASEAN Summit in June. This is part of efforts by Vietnam as ASEAN Chair to enhance cooperation to boost the role of women, peace and security in the bloc and partners, while helping to implement the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, adopted 20 years ago.

The AMM-53 and related meetings are taking place online from September 9 to 12 with the participation of 27 delegations from four continents.

During these events, about 40 documents are expected to be adopted. ASEAN ministers will also approve some new plans for the bloc and its partners for 2021-2025.

AIPA-41: NA Vice Chairman calls on ASEAN, AIPA to stay united

Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Uong Chu Luu on September 9 called on ASEAN and AIPA to continue staying united in response to rapid changes of the regional and global situation.

Speaking at an online meeting of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)’s Committee on Organisational Matters, Luu said AIPA has proven its crucial role in helping ASEAN fully and effectively implement decisions and policies, contributing to building a united, strong and prosperous ASEAN.

He stressed the important task of building, consolidating and developing the organisation so that AIPA can further fulfill its functions and tasks.

Participants at the meeting approved draft resolutions on the financial report of the AIPA Secretariat for the 2019-2020 financial year, estimates for the AIPA Secretariat, the recognition of parliaments as AIPA observers and the establishment of young AIPA parliamentarians, among others.

The meeting of the Committee on Organisational Matters took place within the framework of the 41st General Assembly of AIPA. VNA