(KPL) The 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) officially opened this morning in Vientiane, with the presence of President Thongloun Sisoulith, National Assembly President, Samdech, Speakers of AIPA Member Parliaments, Observer Parliaments, AIPA Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, Members of Parliament, diplomatic representatives, and international organizations.

In his opening remarks, Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of Laos and AIPA President, emphasized the importance of the AIPA General Assembly as a platform for ASEAN Member States' parliaments to exchange views on advancing shared goals, shaping future directions, and implementing actions aligned with AIPA and ASEAN's collective aspirations.

“The 45th AIPA convenes at a time of rapid changes in both regional and global landscapes, with complexities presenting both opportunities and challenges. These include regional conflicts, natural disasters, climate change, and economic and financial difficulties, all of which pose unprecedented challenges to our region and the international community,” said Mr. Xaysomphone.

He highlighted that in response to these challenges, development cooperation and the promotion of peace, stability, security, and prosperity remain the shared objectives of ASEAN nations. These aims are mirrored in the ongoing economic recovery efforts and the stabilization of development momentum. Notably, ASEAN has made substantial progress in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, including the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI).

AIPA continues to play a crucial role as the legislative arm representing the people of ASEAN, with its primary mission being to support ASEAN’s goals and ensure tangible benefits for its citizens.

This year's AIPA General Assembly theme, “The Role of Parliaments in Enhancing Connectivity and Inclusive Growth of ASEAN,” aligns closely with Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship theme, “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.” The alignment reflects ASEAN’s dedication to advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, strengthening regional connectivity, and building resilience.

This includes fostering infrastructure development and improving regulatory frameworks in transportation, telecommunications, energy cooperation, and other critical sectors.

These efforts are essential for promoting trade, investment, productivity, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges among ASEAN Member States, as well as for reducing development gaps and building a resilient and open ASEAN Economic Community.

Mr. Xaysomphone stressed the need for closer cooperation between AIPA and ASEAN, with both institutions supporting each other in fulfilling their mandates and in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development, ultimately benefiting the people of ASEAN.

Throughout the assembly, participants will engage in various events, including committee meetings and in-depth discussions on political, economic, social, women, youth, and organizational matters, leading to relevant resolutions.

Mr. Xaysomphone encouraged all delegates to engage in meaningful discussions, addressing key issues with the utmost sense of responsibility and adhering to ASEAN’s principle of consensus-building. He also urged them to reaffirm AIPA’s crucial role in advancing ASEAN’s collective goals and representing the rights and interests of ASEAN citizens.

He concluded by inviting participants to explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Vientiane, the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, and other sites of interest across Laos during their stay.

KPL