(KPL) The Secretary-General of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held a meeting in Vientiane on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by representatives of AIPA Member Parliaments, esteemed delegates, and the Secretary-General of both AIPA and ASEAN.

In her remarks, Vice President of the National Assembly Ms. Sounthone Xayachak stated, "I am honored to represent the President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR and the President of AIPA at this AIPA-ASEAN Hearing."

This annual meeting, held on the sidelines of the AIPA General Assembly, serves as an essential platform for communication and interaction between the executive and legislative branches of ASEAN Member States.

It provides an opportunity for both sides to discuss and exchange views on fulfilling the mandates of the two Secretariats and ensuring the effective implementation of ASEAN activities and AIPA resolutions to achieve shared goals.

"I greatly value the outcomes of the past two AIPA-ASEAN Hearings, during which we engaged in productive exchanges that led to meaningful recommendations for enhancing communication and interaction between ASEAN and AIPA as strategic partners," said Ms. Sounthone. She emphasized that this partnership, built on mutual support and regular consultations, has fostered close cooperation and facilitated the work of both Secretariats in fulfilling their respective mandates.

The 45th General Assembly of AIPA is convened under the theme “The Role of Parliaments in Enhancing Connectivity and Inclusive Growth of ASEAN.” Ms. Sounthone expressed confidence that the discussions would empower both Secretariats to strengthen their mandates effectively, contributing to ASEAN Centrality and promoting people’s participation in realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and beyond.

Over the years, ASEAN and AIPA have engaged in productive dialogues through initiatives such as the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with AIPA Representatives and the AIPA-ASEAN Hearings. These efforts have led to successful outcomes across various areas. However, Ms. Sounthone noted that in light of the growing challenges faced by ASEAN Member States, it is crucial to enhance cooperation and consultation to align legislative efforts and foster greater integration. This will ensure that cooperation between governments, AIPA, and ASEAN’s partners remains effective and focused on regional connectivity and inclusive growth.

She also expressed confidence that this Hearing would provide an excellent opportunity for the AIPA Secretariat, the ASEAN Secretariat, and AIPA Member Parliaments to reassess and refine coordination mechanisms for greater efficiency. "Together, we can advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the Post-2025 agendas, promoting a fully integrated and connected ASEAN Community," she concluded.

KPL