44th General Assembly of AIPA

The Legislative Council is attending the 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, AIPA that is hosted by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia. Brunei Darussalam’s delegation is led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, Speaker of the Legislative Council.

Inline with the ASEAN spirit, the AIPA General Assembly plays a vital role in revitalising and strengthening the commitment of AIPA Member Parliaments for peace, stability and growth of the ASEAN region. The theme ‘Responsive Parliaments for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN’ is timely and relevant as it underlines the parliament’s role in responding to the people’s need, and the importance of collaborative works between nations for regional stability and prosperity.

In a message on the occasion of the 44th General Assembly of AIPA, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam stresses the importance of political stability in the ASEAN region in achieving a peaceful, stable, and prosperous ASEAN Community. Maintaining solidarity and relevance in the region is important, as challenges require collective and collaborative response. The people, as the core strength of the ASEAN Community, reflects ASEAN’s theme this year, ‘ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.’

In the message, His Majesty also states that global food supply disruptions, and geopolitical tensions underscore the need for resilient agricultural supply chains, sustainable production systems, and technological advancements in the agrifood sector. AIPA Member Parliaments are expected to increase ASEAN’s efforts in realising said goals and fostering regional cooperation.

His Majesty also stresses on the important partnership between ASEAN and AIPA, through the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with AIPA during the 42nd ASEAN Summit held in May 2023 in Labuan Bajo. The platform has facilitated dialogue on mutual concerns, enriching cooperation between the two entities.

In the message, the Monarch also states that the 44th General Assembly of AIPA’s agenda remains related with the regional and global challenges, which requires collaborative solutions. Brunei Darussalam pledges to provide continued support, underlining the common goals to enhance ASEAN’s collective welfare.

At the First Plenary Session, the Speaker of the Legislative Council emphasised the role of the parliament as the people’s representative, and that actions taken are according to the people’s needs. Said actions should also be transparent for the citizens and residents in general, and reduce the gap between governance and the people’s aspiration. Yang Berhormat said the country is moving forward and continues to be committed in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, inline with the Wawasan Brunei 2035.

The call for immediate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals or SDG’s cannot be hindered in realising the goals, specifically immediate action in the fight against climate change. The 44th General Assembly of AIPA was officiated by Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia. In a welcoming remark, the president of the Republic of Indonesia highlighted the importance of the parliament to reflect and fight for the people’s aspirations and interests. 30 resolutions were discussed and adopted by the committees of Young Parliamentarian, Women of AIPA, Political Matters; Economic Matters; Social Matters; and Organisational Matters. The general assembly ended with the signing of a Joint Statement. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic accepted the AIPA Chairmanship and will be hosting the AIPA General Assembly next year.

Source: Radio Television Brunei