National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man of Vietnam made a firm commitment at the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-46), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 18.

He emphasised that under the theme “Inclusive and Sustainable,” ASEAN has achieved significant and solid results in maintaining peace, stability, and promoting prosperity in the region. Correspondingly, the theme of AIPA-46, “Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable ASEAN,” highlights the leading role of legislative bodies in creating a future of equitable development opportunities and shared prosperity for all ASEAN peoples.

Looking back on nearly 60 years of formation and development, the Chairman underscored that ASEAN has made strong progress, overcoming numerous challenges to build a dynamic economic community, a socially cohesive region, and a global presence of increasing influence. As a central hub in regional cooperation, the bloc has brought together a wide array of partners in a multi-layered network, collectively promoting dialogue and cooperation for peace, stability, and shared prosperity. People-to-people relationships have become deeper and stronger, and ASEAN’s awareness and identity have continued to grow and spread.

The Vietnamese leader highlighted that this development journey has been built on the synergistic efforts of ASEAN and AIPA. AIPA and its member parliaments have consistently played a responsible role, standing alongside and supporting governments to implement agreements and cooperative commitments, ensuring that the interests and voices of the people are reflected in ASEAN’s decisions.

Amid rapidly evolving regional and global developments, the Chairman emphasised the pivotal role of AIPA in driving more effective regional cooperation. He stressed the need for AIPA to serve as a bridge, creating opportunities for all sectors and stakeholders to actively engage in realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. He proposed that AIPA should continue leading the way in shaping institutions and policies to translate regional commitments into action, with particular focus on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Beyond policy and institutional development, he underscored the importance of strengthening the social foundations that support regional collaboration. As representatives of the people, AIPA’s role extends to fostering exchanges, promoting solidarity, and deepening friendships across ASEAN societies.

The Chairman encouraged AIPA to prioritise initiatives that cultivate a shared sense of community and identity, enhance communication, and expand cooperation in culture, education, and tourism. Moreover, he called for more active exchanges, both among parliamentarians themselves and between lawmakers and citizens, to reinforce bonds across the region.

The Chairman also suggested that AIPA should further expand and deepen its foreign relations, reinforcing ASEAN’s role as a central hub in regional and global networks. He warmly welcomed observer parliaments attending the General Assembly and many parliaments on the path to becoming AIPA partners.

In the current context of multiple global and regional challenges, Vietnam seeks to develop mutually beneficial relations with all countries and partners, thereby expanding development space, diversifying markets, and responding effectively to shared challenges, he said.

Chairman Man expressed his belief that with solidarity and determination of member parliaments, AIPA-46 would achieve significant outcomes, bringing ASEAN closer to a future of inclusive, sustainable growth and prosperity.

Vietnam ready to make positive contribution to AIPA-46 success

VOV.VN - National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man has affirmed the Vietnamese delegation’s readiness to support and work hand in hand with the Malaysian parliament and other AIPA member parliaments to contribute to the success of AIPA-46, thereby promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the region.