Vientiane – The 35th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly General Assembly has officially opened under the theme “Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation” in the ASEAN Community Building in the Lao capital.

According to President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR and President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Pany Yathotou, the committee meetings will be inter-related in their efforts to maintain and promote peace, stability, and cooperation for socio-economic development.

The meetings will also work towards narrowing the development gap within ASEAN through capacity building for entrepreneurs, promotion of green growth for sustainable development, development of skilled labor for integration of the ASEAN Community, and prevention and control of pandemic diseases.

“At the same time, AIPA sees the need to review the mandates, regulations, mechanisms, and resources, among others, of the AIPA Secretariat aimed at increasing the efficiency towards contributing to the overall work of the ASEAN Community,” Pany said during her opening remarks.

During the 35th AIPA, the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) will discuss the strengthening of the roles of WAIPA in supporting the establishment of the ASEAN community.

Pany also welcomed parliamentary members from Observer Countries, present to review cooperation over the past year and to discuss directions for future enhanced cooperation. Additionally, a warm welcome was extended to development partners from various international organizations. During the course of the meeting AIPA Member Countries are expected to exchange experience with development partners with aims of enhancing cooperation and ensuring effective outcomes. Source: Xinhu