(Report from Bandar Seri Begawan, 27th) In his royal speech, the Bruneian Sultan stated that Brunei will continue to commit to supporting the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), emphasizing the crucial role that AIPA parliament members play in promoting regional cooperation and achieving the common welfare and prosperity of the region.
The Sultan delivered the speech at the opening ceremony of the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly held at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Laos.
The Sultan also highlighted the importance of the theme of the assembly, “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” which aligns with the ASEAN theme and supports ASEAN's integration, unity, and solidarity.
The Sultan emphasized that the vision of an ASEAN Community is to build a more resilient, innovative, and people-centered ASEAN. This vision focuses on infrastructure development, narrowing development gaps, and promoting economic integration and exchanges among the people.
The Sultan stressed the critical role of parliamentarians in supporting and shaping a rules-based and people-centered ASEAN Community.
Brunei's Speaker of the Legislative Council, Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, led the parliamentarians in attending the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly plenary session, citing the Sultan's royal speech.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of the theme of the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, which is consistent with the vision outlined in the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan 2025 for an interconnected, integrated ASEAN that promotes competitiveness and inclusivity.
He also emphasized the role of parliamentarians in supporting infrastructure development, strengthening digital networks, and connecting ASEAN people and economies.
The Speaker stressed the significance of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly as a platform for enhancing regional dialogue and cooperation, which will benefit the ASEAN people and strengthen regional resilience.
The Speaker added that through connectivity and inclusive growth, ASEAN will become more integrated and provide broader opportunities for the ASEAN people.
Laos President Thongloun presided over the opening ceremony of the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.
At the opening ceremony, the President emphasized that the theme of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly plenary aligns with ASEAN's efforts to realize the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.
The President stressed the important role of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in strengthening ASEAN cooperation through legislative measures and the ratification of international agreements, contributing to a stronger, united, and open ASEAN Community.
The President also emphasized the need to narrow development gaps and improve the welfare of people across the region.
Laos National Assembly President and Chairman of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Xaysomphone, highlighted the importance of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly as a platform for ASEAN parliaments to discuss common challenges, especially against the backdrop of major regional and international issues such as climate change, economic crises, and security instability.