Hanoi (VNA) - Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man is expected to contribute a lot of initiatives to promote inclusive and sustainable development in ASEAN while attending the upcoming 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter‑Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-46) in Malaysia.

This year, as AIPA-46 Chair, Malaysia has chosen the theme: “Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable ASEAN,” with an aim for AIPA to continue playing a pivotal role in promoting regional integration and connectivity, amplifying the voice of the people, and strengthening people-to-people exchanges among member countries.

In addition, AIPA will continue to promote the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sub-regional cooperation, and the harmonious management of the interlinkages between food, energy, and water resources security, while also protecting the environment. It will call for enhanced cooperation in addressing non-traditional security challenges as well.

Vietnam officially became a member of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation (AIPO) (now AIPA) on September 19, 1995. Since then, its National Assembly has actively and proactively participated in AIPA activities, and made responsible contributions alongside the parliaments of other member countries to strengthen the assembly’s central role, solidarity, and unity. It has also worked to promote intra-regional cooperation and expand multifaceted relations with parliaments both within and beyond the region.

It has proposed numerous initiatives at AIPA General Assembly sessions and activities. Notably, Vietnam introduced the idea of establishing an AIPA Advisory Group to provide guidance on legal harmonisation, monitor the implementation of AIPA resolutions, and enhance the relations between the organisation and ASEAN.

Vietnam successfully hosted the AIPO-23 in 2002, and the AIPA-31 and 41 in 2010 and 2020. It is noteworthy that at the 41st session, it proposed two key initiatives – organising a Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians to provide a platform for young legislators to voice their opinions and contribute more effectively to addressing regional issues, and connecting AIPA activities with those of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), aligning these efforts with the implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Through the initiatives, Vietnam seeks to establish an annual forum within AIPA to exchange ideas and identify effective measures to push ahead with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in ASEAN.

Meanwhile, participating in AIPA activities helps the nation gain valuable experience and tangible benefits that contribute to the successful implementation of its open foreign policy.

The inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanism has also contributed to enhancing friendship, mutual understanding, and trust between Vietnamese legislators and their foreign peers, as well as between Vietnam and others in the region.

Through AIPA activities, Vietnam has promoted its image and showcased the unique aspects of its people, culture, and landscape to friends and partners both in the region and around the world.

NA Chairman Man's working trip takes place in the context of the Vietnamese legislature continuing to demonstrate its active and proactive role, and making substantial contributions to AIPA's activities.
His attendance also shows Vietnam’s proactive, responsible participation in AIPA alongside other member parliaments, and the country’s commitment to broadening its parliamentary relations with nations beyond the region.

𒅌 The top Vietnamese legislator is scheduled to attend the AIPA Executive Committee meeting, participate in the joint meeting between the heads of delegations and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia, attend the opening ceremony, and deliver an important speech at the first plenary session. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with the heads of delegations of other countries’ parliaments./.