Vietnam calls for efforts to maintain ASEAN's solidarity, centrality
NA Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh affirmed Vietnam’s continued support and close coordination with ASEAN Chair Malaysia in successfully fulfilling the goals and priorities of its AIPA presidency.
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - A delegation of the National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam, led by Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh, attended the preparatory meeting for the ASEAN - AIPA Leaders’ Interface 2025 (ASEAN-AIPA Interface) held on May 25 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event took place within the 46th ASEAN Summit and related high-level meetings.
The meeting discussed and adopted the message from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) President, which reaffirmed support for the 2025 ASEAN theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability," and welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 by ASEAN leaders.
In line with the AIPA 2025 theme, “Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and a Sustainable ASEAN,” the message underscored AIPA’s continued commitment to fostering regional integration and connectivity, amplifying the voices of the people, and strengthening people-to-people exchanges.
The message further reiterated AIPA’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting sub-regional cooperation, harmonising the food-energy-water security nexus, and protecting the environment. AIPA also called for enhanced cooperation in addressing non-traditional security challenges.
On economic and trade matters, AIPA reaffirmed its resolve to boost trade and investment cooperation, particularly in green infrastructure and sustainable finance. It expressed strong support for regional economic integration and policy coordination to achieve shared development goals. Recognising the immense potential of innovation and technology, AIPA will bolster collaboration in innovation, drive digital transformation, and promote responsible investment to help build a competitive and future-ready ASEAN.
On political and security issues, AIPA emphasised its commitment to the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and international law. It stressed the need for ASEAN unity in addressing emerging regional and global challenges. In light of ongoing global and regional complexities, the message highlighted the importance of maintaining ASEAN's solidarity and centrality, and called on all parties to uphold international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to help ensure the East Sea remains a sea of peace, stability, and cooperation. AIPA also underlined the need for full and effective implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, and advocated for peaceful solutions to conflicts that threaten global stability.
Speaking at the session, NA Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh affirmed Vietnam’s continued support and close coordination with ASEAN Chair Malaysia in successfully fulfilling the goals and priorities of its AIPA presidency.
Vietnam's delegation actively engaged in the drafting of the AIPA President’s message, making several significant proposals. The delegation emphasised that, in the wake of the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and new strategic plans, AIPA must send a strong message of support and commitment to working closely with ASEAN governments and citizens to realise these shared goals. Vietnam also highlighted the need to continue prioritising the narrowing of development gaps and the advancement of sub-regions, including the Mekong sub-region.
In response to increasingly complex regional and global developments, Vietnam proposed that ASEAN reinforce its unity and centrality, while upholding international law, particularly UNCLOS. These contributions, which were highly appreciated by participating countries, were incorporated into the final AIPA President’s message./.
