(KPL) – The 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) concluded on October 21 in Vientiane, Laos, with a focus on promoting integration and addressing social issues across the ASEAN region.

Held under the theme “The Role of the Parliament in Promoting the Integration and Comprehensive Growth of ASEAN,” the assembly brought together representatives from AIPA member nations, observer countries, and officials from the ASEAN and AIPA Secretariats.

The assembly was chaired by Mr. Saysomphone Phomvihane, President of the Lao National Assembly (NA), who expressed pride in hosting the event and highlighted its significance in fostering greater cooperation and integration within the ASEAN community. He emphasized the critical role of parliaments in advancing peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Saysomphone underscored the importance of the resolutions adopted during the assembly, calling them essential to guiding efforts to strengthen the ASEAN community and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. He urged ASEAN parliaments and development partners to actively incorporate the assembly’s outcomes into their legislative agendas to ensure that discussions lead to concrete actions.

The NA president also expressed his gratitude to all participants, including member parliaments, the AIPA Secretariat, and local and international stakeholders, whose support was instrumental in achieving the assembly’s objectives.

One of the key events of the assembly took place on October 20, when the AIPA Social Committee convened under the leadership of Mr. Bounta Thepphavong, Chairman of the Culture-Social Committee of the Lao National Assembly. This meeting focused on a range of social issues, with parliamentarians from ASEAN countries reviewing five draft resolutions.

Key topics included efforts to combat drug challenges, promote a plastic-free environment through joint action under the World Convention on Plastics, advocate for healthcare innovation, and enhance rights and employment opportunities across the region.

The assembly's outcomes reflect a collective commitment by ASEAN parliaments to address both regional integration and pressing social challenges, demonstrating the vital role of parliamentary collaboration in shaping the future of ASEAN.

KPL