The 41st AIPA General Assembly's first plenary session is virtually held on September 8 morning. (Photo: VNA)
– Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Pehin Abdul
Rahman Taib has appreciated the Vietnamese National Assembly’s dedication and
steadfast commitment in making it possible to convene the 41st ASEAN
Inter-Parliamentary Assembly’s General Assembly (AIPA-41) this year.
The virtual
meeting is the first of its kind to be held in the history of the AIPA General
Assembly due to COVID-19, he told the event’s first plenary session on
September 8 morning.
The theme of
the 41st AIPA General Assembly this year, “Parliamentary Diplomacy for Cohesive
and Responsive ASEAN”, is relevant in the current context as the region faces
unprecedented challenges in adapting to the new norm, he said. “The theme
further emphasises the role of national parliaments of ASEAN as the voice of
the people and the need to stand in solidarity and to respond swiftly to
pressing issues, in accordance with the international laws.”
“The global
impact of the pandemic on health, education and economy which fundamentally
changed the way we lead our daily lives, saying despite these challenges, it is
essential to maintain a forward-looking approach and carefully adapt to ensure
the continuity of AIPA’s work,” he underscored.
He expressed
his belief that by holding the true ASEAN spirit of “Unity in Diversity”, AIPA
will be able to assist ASEAN to overcome the challenges ahead and respond adeptly to the impending future.
The top
legislator of Brunei moved on
to urge AIPA Member Parliaments to continue fostering cooperation among
relevant stakeholders by encouraging timely exchanges of lessons learned in
relation to mitigating the effects of COVID-19.
“It is
important for parliamentarians to acknowledge post-pandemic challenges, which
are imminent, and devising pre-emptive measures to safeguard the interests of
our people, especially the most vulnerable members of our nations.”
He affirmed
that the Legislative Council of Brunei will continue to support the endeavours
and efforts by other AIPA Member Parliaments to address global and regional
challenges through partnerships and diplomacy towards achieving common goals
for the benefit of the people
in the region.
He expected
AIPA-41 discussions will further enhance its good cause for parliamentary
diplomacy as ASEAN advances
towards the goal for a cohesive, inclusive and resilient Community./.