AIPA-31 General Assembly successfully concludes

via CAAI

09/24/2010

After five sessions, the 31st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-31) successfully concluded in Hanoi on September 24.

At the closing ceremony, Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Phu Trong said that the conference had completed its agenda.

AIPA-31 adopted important resolutions concerning security and politics, the economy, social and cultural cooperation, female parliamentarians’ activities, and issues related to AIPA’s organizational structure.

Delegates agreed that AIPA should improve the quality of its operation to contribute to the development of the ASEAN community. They also stressed the importance of strengthening the AIPA-ASEAN relationship and proposed holding an annual meeting between AIPA and ASEAN leaders.

Mr. Trong, who is also the chairman of AIPA-31, said Vietnam successfully organised this year’s event, themed “Solidarity for the sustainable development of the ASEAN Community”, and fulfilled its AIPA-31 chairmanship.

On behalf of Vietnam’s NA, chairman Trong expressed his thanks to delegations from AIPA delegates and observers for their contribution to the success of the General Assembly.

After the closing, a ceremony was held to hand over the chairmanship of AIPA – 32 to Cambodia. Chairman of the Parliament of Cambodia Heng Samrin who is also AIPA-32’s chairman, said AIPA will contribute to creating a peaceful and politically stable ASEAN region. He said Cambodia will be well-prepared for the 32nd General Assembly.

At a press conference following the ceremony, Mr. Trong officially announced the results of the General Assembly. Heads of AIPA delegations also answered reporters’ questions about AIPA’s contribution to promoting solidarity, cooperation, and development in the region.

Prior to the closing ceremony, AIPA-31 held a second plenary session during which heads of AIPA delegations signed a joint communiqué and AIPA announced its decision to name India an AIPA observer and to hold the 32nd General Assembly in Cambodia’s city of Sihanoukville in September, 2011.