ASEAN leaders, ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly highlight promoting regional connectivity

Vietnam, Oct 11 (FN Bureau) Leaders from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) met to discuss several key issues aimed at strengthening connectivity and resilience within the ASEAN community. During the meeting on Wednesday, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone outlined current developments within ASEAN, highlighting the progress in implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the fulfillment of the ASEAN Priorities for 2024 under Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship. Sonexay also outlined the progress made in the development of strategic plans to implement the ASEAN Community Vision to 2045, as a 20-year vision towards building a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centered ASEAN.President of AIPA Xaysomphone Phomvihane briefed ASEAN leaders on the progress of parliamentary initiatives within AIPA, introducing recommendations to promote regional cooperation.

These recommendations include enhancing ASEAN connectivity and resilience, narrowing development gaps, improving infrastructure, boosting trade, investment, and tourism, and reinforcing ASEAN centrality in collaboration with external partners. These proposals align with the priorities set under Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2024. ASEAN leaders expressed their appreciation for the contribution of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly to the ASEAN community-building process. They anticipated further support from the AIPA for efforts to strengthen the ASEAN community, especially through the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, building on the outcomes of the ongoing and previous ASEAN Summits, and ensuring that the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 be adopted in 2025 efficiently and effectively.