National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu on June 21 attended a preparatory meeting for the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) on the occasion of the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu (centre)

Luu thanked the Thai National Assembly for organising the ASEAN-AIPA leaders’ meeting as it helped increase the role and position of AIPA and ASEAN. He said that the partnership between the two sides should be consolidated on the basis of common interests.

Leading officials of parliaments of AIPA member states also exchanged opinions on the AIPA Message which highlights important issues in the ASEAN Community in the new situation and emphasises AIPA’s role in building the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

Regarding this message, the Vietnamese official stressed that in the context that the world and region have strong changes in both economics and politics affecting development of many member states as well as the central position of ASEAN, AIPA should maintain a partner standing side by side with ASEAN to contribute to consolidating the bloc’s voice in regional issues.

He made several proposals to be added to the AIPA Message, including security challenges in the bloc like drug smuggling and human trafficking. He also underlined the importance of intensifying coordination and cooperation of legislative bodies in addressing regional issues for the general benefits of the ASEAN Community.

On the afternoon, delegates are expected to discuss and adopt AIPA leader’s message to be delivered at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of AIPA on June 22.

On June 22-23, NA Vice Chairman Luu is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of AIPA, the opening session of the 34th ASEAN Summit, and hold bilateral meetings with the speakers of the Thai Senate and House of Representatives, and other AIPA delegation heads.