45th AIPA General Assembly
The Legislative Council delegation attended the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, AIPA’s 45th General Assembly that was held from the 18th to 22nd of October in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Brunei Darussalam’s delegation was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, Speaker of the Legislative Council. In a message for the 45th AIPA General Assembly, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah stresses the importance of the General Assembly’s theme, which was inline with the ASEAN theme, Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’ in continuing the ASEAN integration and solidarity. His Majesty also underlines that the ASEAN Community Vision is to create a more resilient, innovative, and people-centric ASEAN, focusing on infrastructure development, reducing the development gap, as well as economic integration and people to people exchanges. His Majesty also highlights the parliament’s vit
al role in supporting and shaping a rule and people-based ASEAN community. Brunei Darussalam remains committed in supporting AIPA’s efforts, and is confident that AIPA parliament members will continue to become vital components in advancing regional cooperation for mutual well-being and prosperity.
In an address at the First Plenary Session, the Speaker of the Legislative Council highlighted the importance of the 45th General Assembly, which was inline with the visions of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 in achieving an interconnected and integrated ASEAN, as well as promoting competitiveness, and inclusion to strengthen the community spirit in ASEAN. Yang Berhormat also stressed that the parliament has a role in supporting infrastructure development, enhancing digital network and connecting the ASEAN people as well as economy. Yang Berhormat stated the AIPA General Assembly was an important platform to strengthen regional dialogue and cooperation that will benefit the people of ASEAN and enhance r
egional resilience. Yang Berhormat added that with connectivity and inclusive growth, ASEAN will be more integrated, and capable of offering wider opportunities to the people.
The 45th AIPA General Assembly was officiated by His Excellency Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. In the opening speech, His Excellency underlined that AIPA has a vital role in enhancing ASEAN cooperation through legislation and ratification of international agreements that will help to build an ASEAN community that is stronger, more united and open. His Excellency also highlighted the need to reduce infrastructure gap, and improve people’s well-being throughout the region.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of Lao People’s Democratic Republic as the Chairman of AIPA in his keynote speech emphasised that the AIPA General Assembly was a vital platform for ASEAN Member States’ parliaments to discuss mutual challenges, specifically in the context of r
egional and international critical issues such as climate change, economic crisis, and security instability. His Excellency stressed the important role of the parliament in creating a strong and equitable economy, and strengthening ASEAN relations with its external partners to ensure mutual progress.
The 5-day general assembly discussed various issues of mutual interest and concern of ASEAN Member States’ parliaments, under the Committee of Politics, Economy, Social, Organisation, Women Parliamentarians and Young Parliamentarians.
Also joining the delegation was Doctor Dayang Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah, Clerk to the Privy Council, Secretary to the Cabinet Ministers’ Council and Clerk to the Legislative Council, and several other Members of the Legislative Council.
Source: Radio Television Brunei