The 37th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-37) was opened in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 30.

This year’s AIPA takes the theme “Vibrant AIPA for a progressive ASEAN Community”.

The opening ceremony was attended by parliamentary delegates from the 10 AIPA member countries. The Vietnamese delegation was led by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

Delegates at the opening ceremony

In the welcoming address, Speaker of Myanmar’s Parliament and Upper House Mahn Win Khaing Than, who is also AIPA-37 President, said there are many urgent and pressing challenges facing ASEAN citizens today such as balancing the need for foreign workers and the protection of guest workers’ rights, human trafficking, gender inequality, and environmental protection.

With close coordination, the regional countries will overcome those challenges, he said, adding that the AIPA has “the type of vibrant dynamism and optimism inside our ASEAN Community which will enable us to consult and cooperate to create solutions to all our challenges.”

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s State Counselor, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of President’s Office, said the host country wants the member parliaments to expand cooperation and actively contribute to the AIPA.

She asked participants to discuss and propose resolutions and initiatives to affirm the AIPA’s resolve in serving the ASEAN people and express the friendship, goodwill and cooperation in the ASEAN Community.

Source: VNA