(KPL) The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Internal Affairs Committee convened on October 20, 2024, in Vientiane as part of the 45th AIPA General Assembly. The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Amphaivone Lombounpheng, Secretary of the National Assembly of Laos, with participation from parliamentarians from ASEAN member countries.

During the meeting, the committee discussed and reviewed 16 draft resolutions related to AIPA’s organizational matters. These included resolutions on the financial audit report for 2023-2024, the proposed budget plan for the AIPA Secretariat for 2024-2025, the allocation of funds for parliamentary contributions to AIPA, revisions to the AIPA Constitution, and the adoption of guidelines and procedures for AIPA's relations with external parties.

Other resolutions reviewed included the adoption of the Terms of Reference (ToR) and Concept Note for the AIPA Digital Law Library (AIPAlync), a proposal for a memorandum of understanding between AIPA and international parliamentary organizations, and memoranda of understanding between AIPA and its development partners.

The committee also discussed draft resolutions regarding the National Assembly of Bahrain and the Bundestag of the German Federation being adopted as observers of AIPA, and the presentation of AIPA’s outstanding achievement awards to Mr. Pehin Dato Haji Judin Haji Asa from Brunei Darussalam, Mr. Hu Sri from Cambodia, and Ms. Khannat Revirojana from Thailand.

Additionally, the meeting discussed a draft resolution expressing appreciation for the leadership of Mr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of AIPA, and a resolution thanking the Philippine government for its voluntary contribution of USD 20,000 to AIPA in 2024. Lastly, the draft resolution for determining the date and location of the 46th AIPA General Assembly was also reviewed.

KPL