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| Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Puan Maharani welcomed National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on an official visit to Indonesia and to attend AIPA-44. (Source: VNA) |
The 44th General Assembly of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (AIPA-44) will take place from August 5-11 in Jakarta, Indonesia, with the participation of leaders of member parliaments, including Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue.
AIPA Secretary General Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman shared with the press about the theme and agenda of AIPA-44, cooperation between regional parliaments, as well as Vietnam's contributions to AIPA in general and AIPA-44 in particular.
Could you please share more about the theme “Proactively Adapting Parliaments for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN” of AIPA-44?
The theme “Responsive Parliaments for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN” is in line with the theme of Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2023 “ASEAN of Greatness: The Hub of Growth”. All ASEAN executive and legislative bodies have demonstrated their commitment to promoting ASEAN’s vital role and maintaining its relevance to the people and the world.
“Responsiveness” refers to the ability of parliaments to become more responsive in addressing the dynamics affecting the region. A more responsive parliament is expected to provide legislative support in encouraging governments to make appropriate and rapid decisions to respond to the developments and challenges facing the region.
“Stability” refers to the importance of maintaining stability and security in the region, which is paramount in the face of political and security challenges. “Stability” also reflects ASEAN and AIPA’s strong commitment to promoting a rules-based international order in the face of current geopolitical dynamics, through facilitating dialogue and cooperation in the region.
Finally, “Prosperity” refers to ASEAN’s aspiration to create prosperity for all in the region, without discrimination of any kind. AIPA Member Parliaments support from a legislative perspective the promotion of narrowing the development gap, inclusive growth, resilience and sustainable development of the region, thereby creating a more prosperous and equitable Southeast Asia.
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| Permanent Vice President of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and AIPA Secretary General Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman attended the opening session of AIPA Caucus 14. (Source: Quochoi.vn) |
Could you tell us about the cooperation between ASEAN parliaments to maintain peace, security and stability in the region?
AIPA member parliaments can do a lot and play an important role in maintaining regional peace, security and stability through enhanced cooperation and proactive measures.
First , strengthen legislative cooperation through regular contacts, information exchange and sharing of best practices. Regular meetings and dialogues between parliamentarians can enhance understanding, build consensus and promote regional stability.
Second , appropriate adjustments to legislative approaches in areas such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security and transnational crime can create a united front against common threats to regional peace and stability.
Third , AIPA Member Parliaments can support existing regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM). Through their sovereign oversight, legislation and budgetary approval, AIPA Member Parliaments can ensure the effective functioning of these mechanisms.
Fourth , AIPA Member Parliaments can also engage with research institutes, academia, civil society and non-governmental organizations to promote inclusive decision-making. The expertise and engagement of AIPA Member Parliaments can help identify regional challenges and develop effective solutions, thereby contributing to regional peace, security and stability.
Fifth , AIPA member parliaments also play an important role in facilitating economic integration and stability, which is an important element in ensuring regional peace and stability.
AIPA member parliaments can also promote trade relations and regional economic integration through ratifying signed economic partnership agreements, and most importantly, passing appropriate laws to implement ratified agreements.
As Secretary General of AIPA, I would like to share that AIPA has implemented many strategies through its existing mechanisms. For example, the AIPA Advisory Council Meeting on Narcotic Drugs (AIPACODD) is a platform for AIPA Member Parliaments to exchange information and best practices on drug prevention.
Another mechanism we have is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Inter-Parliamentary Consultative Group (AIPA Caucus), where AIPA member Parliaments align their legislative efforts when it comes to presenting national reports on the implementation of AIPA Resolutions.
Meanwhile, the AIPA General Assembly allows for parliamentary diplomacy to be promoted not only among AIPA member parliaments but also with observer parliaments. Meetings and dialogues held within the framework of the AIPA General Assembly can help promote peace, security and stability within and beyond ASEAN.
In short, through sustained cooperation, dialogue and joint initiatives, AIPA can make significant contributions to regional peace, security and stability.
Madam, what are the main agenda items of the 44th AIPA General Assembly?
The theme of AIPA-44 “Responsive Parliaments for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN” will not only guide discussions on various emerging issues in the region, but it is also expected that the outcomes of the discussions will become strategic inputs in enhancing the government’s efforts to create an ASEAN that continues to be relevant, while reaping the benefits of its economic growth potential.
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| AIPA Secretary General Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman gives an interview to Vietnamese press. (Source: Quochoi.vn) |
How do you evaluate Vietnam's contributions to AIPA in general and AIPA-44 in particular?
Vietnam has made many important contributions to AIPA in general and to AIPA-44 in particular. As an active participant in AIPA meetings, Vietnam has continuously put forward constructive comments and initiatives to improve the effectiveness and relevance of AIPA.
As the country with the highest proportion of female parliamentarians, Vietnam has emerged as one of the leading countries in promoting women’s political participation in the region. This commitment is in line with the current initiatives of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) on promoting women’s leadership and responsiveness through political participation, which will be implemented this year.
At AIPA-44, I am confident that Vietnam will once again play an important role in promoting discussions and shaping the outcomes of the Conference. Vietnam has proposed three draft resolutions to address key regional challenges and promote cooperation among AIPA member parliaments.
Vietnam’s draft Resolution proposals demonstrate its commitment to issues such as promoting innovation, developing science and technology; and digital transformation with a focus on women.
As the host of the 14th AIPA Caucus, the National Assembly of Vietnam launched the publication “Promoting the Implementation of the ASEAN Guidelines on Responsible Investment in Food, Agriculture and Forestry: A Practical Guide for ASEAN Parliamentarians” to be submitted to the AIPA-44 General Assembly. By addressing these pressing concerns, Vietnam contributes to the overall objectives of AIPA-44 in providing effective parliamentary measures for ASEAN Parliaments to be more responsive.
Vietnam's active participation and constructive contributions to AIPA meetings, including the 44th AIPA General Assembly, demonstrate Vietnam's commitment to elevating AIPA, as well as Vietnam's dedication to the principles and goals of this organization.
Thank you very much.
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