Vientiane, Lao PDR, 19 October 2024 – The 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45), hosted by the Lao National Assembly, opened in Vientiane this morning. The AIPA-45 is being chaired by the Honourable Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the Honourable Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the Lao National Assembly who serves as the current AIPA President.

A high-level Cambodian parliamentary delegation, led by Samdech Maha Rathasapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, took part in the opening at the National Convention Hall along with delegates from AIPA member and observer parliaments, development partners and guests of honour.

The Lao National Assembly President said the theme for this year – “The Role of Parliaments in Enhancing Connectivity and Inclusive Growth of ASEAN” – was both timely and crucial as it aligned with the themes of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane last week. He said the region and the world faced several challenges such as wars and conflicts, economic and financial crises, climate change and natural disasters – all of which require AIPA member parliaments to work together to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity for their peoples.

"To strengthen the ASEAN Community-building process and implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and beyond, it is essential for AIPA and ASEAN to intensify cooperation, providing mutual support in fulfilling their respective mandates and in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development, thereby delivering prosperity and tangible benefits to the people of ASEAN,” the Honourable Dr. Xaysomphone stressed.

The Lao President emphasized that this year’s theme was very important as it aligned with the vision of ASEAN as well as the Lao vision to transform the nation from a landlocked to a land-linked country. He said the gathering was a great opportunity to share ideas, exchange views, and express the will to build an ASEAN community with a strong, resilient, and prosperous economy for the people.

The Honourable Dr. Thongloun also expressed his appreciation for the role of AIPA, which represents the voice, rights, and interests of the people of ASEAN as a whole, and strives to promote, disseminate, and improve the enforcement of laws to contribute to building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable ASEAN Community.

Following the opening ceremony, the AIPA General Assembly was scheduled to convene its First Plenary Session and meetings of committees, namely the Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA), the Young Parliamentarians of AIPA (YPA), the Committee on Political Matters, the Committee on Economic Matters and the Committee on Social Matters.

Samdech Khuon Sudary was to deliver a statement during the First Plenary Session in the afternoon.