The 30th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) opened in Pattaya, Thailand, on August 4.

In his welcoming speech, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva praised AIPA’s role in the development process of ASEAN, saying the organisation has made a practical contribution to the regional bloc. He added that ASEAN is working closely with AIPA to establish a comprehensive legal framework for resolving regional issues such as drug and human trafficking.

He expressed his belief that AIPA will work hard to realise the goal of building a well-integrated ASEAN community by 2015.

The Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives, Chai Chidchob, who chaired the General Assembly, pointed out that during the past 30 years, AIPA has become the sole forum for regional parliamentarians to share experience and discuss legislative cooperation between the bloc and other organisations in the interest of its people.

He said that ASEAN countries are now facing lots of challenges, including the economic downturn and the emergence of social issues which cannot be overcome by a single state. He called on all member states to join hands and restructure AIPA’s organisation to solve those issues. He stressed the importance of cooperation between legislative and executive bodies in dealing with the issues and urged AIPA to undertake initiatives to put the ASEAN Charter into action.

The chairman highlighted the effective cooperation between AIPA and ASEAN in recent times, recalling that AIPA attended the 14th ASEAN Summit in Thailand this year as the most important partner of the bloc. It proposed a joint statement to the ASEAN Chairmanship to increase cooperation between regional organisations in strengthening the ASEAN Charter for the sake of its people. The success of the summit showed that ASEAN is fully aware of AIPA’s increasing role in building the ASEAN community by 2015.

In her speech, Tong Thi Phong, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam National Assembly, also affirmed that AIPA has made a positive contribution to promoting regional solidarity and integration since ASEAN countries adopted the ASEAN Charter. The organisation has also supported ASEAN in harmonising the legal system and strengthening cooperation among member countries.

She called on the international community and ASEAN to boost cooperation to weather the global economic storm and at the same time to increase political dialogues to promote friendship, mutual trust and understanding. She expressed her belief that with their important role and position, regional parliaments will make further contributions to push forward the regional development process.

The Vietnam National Assembly will do its utmost to contribute to the success of AIPA and ASEAN as well, said Ms Phong.

She noted that the Vietnam National Assembly has fully and responsibly participated in all AIPA General Assemblies since it joined the regional parliamentarian organisation.

On a rotating basis, Vietnam will assume the post of AIPA Presidency in the 2009-2010 term and will host the 31st AIPA General Assembly in 2010.

“It is not only an obligation but also a great honour for the Vietnam National Assembly and its people. This testifies to Vietnam’s commitment to actively participate in ASEAN activities so as to promote friendship and cooperation between the Vietnam National Assembly and its people and the parliaments and people of other ASEAN countries.”

She said she hopes that Vietnam will receive more support and assistance from other AIPA member states to fulfil its chairmanship role next year.

After opening speeches, AIPA committees discussed a number of issues, including AIPA’s role in realising the ASEAN Charter, ways to promote democracy and human rights, regional economic integration, cooking and energy security, ASEAN identity and immigration.

The General Assembly endorsed a resolution to admit Brunei to its organisation.

The same day, chief delegates paid a courtesy visit to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

VietNamNet/Thanh Nien