The 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-41), which is running with the theme of “Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community”, entered its final working day on September 10.

Participants at the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly praised Vietnamese efforts to host the event online due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic making the mass travel of participants unsafe.

Delegates therefore expressed their thanks and acknowledged Vietnamese efforts to organise the event for the first time on an online platform, with 43 connection points of ASEAN member nations, along with some observer countries, participating in the AIPA-41.

The last working day covered a range of topics, including the adoption of draft resolutions put forward by committees, the formation of an AIPA young parliamentarians’ association, the presentation of devotion awards to those who have made outstanding contributions to the AIPA, and the admission of new AIPA observers. Indeed, participants will also come together to sign a joint statement.

In the role of host, National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, who is also the AIPA 41 President, delivered a closing speech before handing over the role of AIPA President to a representative from the host of the next event. She will also provide information about the working outcomes of the role of AIPA President.

Furthermore, delegates discussed the organisation of a meeting between the ASEAN Secretary-General with AIPA member Parliaments, adjustments to AIPA Regulations and Charter, as well as a project aimed at reforming the role of AIPA Secretariat.

One of the main issues under discussion during sessions held over the past two days was the COVID-19 pandemic. Talks centred around the significant consequences caused by the pandemic, whilst emphasising that ASEAN member states must strengthen cohesion and actively adapt in order to come together to defeat the challenges facing the region, with no country able to beat this unprecedented foe alone.

Moreover, AIPA members also outlined how this is an opportunity for ASEAN to become more united, with greater efforts to be made in order to become more resilient. Regional parliaments and parliamentarians must display their roles and responsibilities more clearly, thereby contributing to promoting parliamentary diplomacy in an effort to promote economic recovery in the region.

Before the conclusion of the AIPA-41, committees will issue a resolution which reflects proposals put forward by members, in line with the Vietnamese initiative. This is being done to avoid prolonged discussions and to better suit the format of an online meeting form.

Delegates participate in virtual meetings during the AIPA-41 General Assembly

The country has proposed and received support from other states for the theme of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA), as well as holding meetings of the AIPA committees regarding political, economic, and social matters.

In her remarks, NA Chairwoman Ngan said that although the COVID-19 situation remains complicated, seriously affecting the political, economic, and social activities of all countries globally, the organisation of the AIPA 41 displays the determination and efforts of the parliaments accompanying the Governments of ASEAN members. This shows that the co-operation and development of the ASEAN community is vital to overcome difficulties, repel the pandemic, and move forward for the sake of the prosperity and happiness of every citizen.

General Secretary and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong offered a welcome message to participants at the 41st AIPA General Assembly, stating that the event is of great significance and will contribute to the successful implementation of the ASESAN Community Vision to 2025 and development orientation after 2025. Indeed, the occasion will be an effective response to changes of the international and regional environment, along with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the current context it is time for AIPA to make continued contributions to efforts aimed at promoting ASEAN's centrality in the shaping of regional architecture, whilst also enhancing multilateralism, integration, and international co-operation with respect to the law, and for the sake of peace, regional stability and prosperity.

In his speech given to the AIPA-41 General Assembly, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also affirmed that the theme of AIPA 41 outlines the strong commitment and support from AIPA and its parliament members in respect to the efforts of the Governments and people of ASEAN member states. This signals a move towards a united and resilient ASEAN community that is able to effectively adapt to opportunities and challenges as they occur.

The results achieved at the AIPA-41 General Assembly once again affirm that "ASEAN and AIPA are a testament to the spirit of solidarity, and mutual assistance to join hands in overcoming every difficulty” as stated by Tong Thi Phong, NA Vice Chairwoman and Head of the Vietnam National Assembly.

The occasion also shows the responsibility of parliamentarians, who represent the will and aspirations of their respective people. Furthermore, it will also make a strong and practical contribution to promoting the Government's actions aimed at ensuring a peaceful and stable environment towards a brighter future.

Since joining the assembly, the nation has been actively involved in AIPA activities, including hosting the 23rd and 31st AIPA General Assemblies in 2002 and 2010, respectively, as well as chairing thematic meetings and committee-level meetings.