The assembly gathered presidents and vice presidents of national assemblies and houses of representatives from nine AIPA member countries, representatives of 14 observer countries, AIPA guests, host country guests, and development partners. The official opening ceremony took place on September 18 with the participation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim.

During the first session, delegation heads delivered statements on the theme “Parliaments at the Forefront of ASEAN’s Inclusive and Sustainable Development.” In her remarks, the head of the Lao delegation underlined the importance of cooperation, unity, and ASEAN centrality, stressing the need to build a stable, peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN community that leaves no one behind. She also highlighted Laos’ national strategy to transform from a landlocked to a land-linked country through key infrastructure projects.

The assembly adopted 43 out of 45 draft resolutions, with Laos sponsoring five in the fields of politics, economy, social affairs, and women’s affairs. The Lao delegation actively engaged in the work of nine committees, covering political, economic, social, women’s and youth affairs, AIPA’s internal organizational work, cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat, consultations with observer countries, and drafting joint statements. Members also attended roundtables on youth affairs, the 2nd Women in Politics Forum, AIPA Women’s meetings, and other side events.

In addition, the Lao delegation held bilateral discussions with parliamentary delegations from both AIPA members and observers. These included meetings at the National Assembly President level with Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore; at the Vice President level with Thailand’s Parliament and the State Duma of the Russian Federation; and at the committee level with delegations from China, Japan, Australia, and the European Parliament.

At the conclusion of the assembly, AIPA members adopted committee reports and signed the Joint Communiqué of the 46th General Assembly. The gathering also welcomed Algeria as AIPA’s 26th observer parliament, presented honorary certificates to outstanding contributors, including Mr. Jose Cidi Benitez Jr., former President of the Philippines Parliament, and Mr. Lim Biow Chuan, former Vice President of the Singapore Parliament, and oversaw the handover of the AIPA Secretary-General position from Brunei Darussalam to Cambodia. The presidency of AIPA was officially transferred from Malaysia to the Philippines, which will host the 47th AIPA General Assembly in Manila.

KPL