(VOVWORLD) - National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has praised ASEAN’s unity and encouraging economic growth despite numerous challenges around the world, including competition between major countries and both traditional and non-tradition security issues.
 National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan addresses the 40th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand, August 26, 2019. |
Ms. Ngan, addressing the 40th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Thailand on Monday, said although ASEAN states’ growth averaged 5.1% last year, complex developments in the region have been a cause for serious concern.
At the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, delegates raised their voices on unilateral acts undertaken in the East Sea which have violated sovereignty and the legitimate interests of coastal countries, eroded trust, and impacted regional peace, security, stability, and freedom of aviation and overflight, she noted. Chairwoman Ngan said AIPA stands by ASEAN in building a sustainable community.
“AIPA, an important partner in the building of a sustainable ASEAN community, is ready to support ASEAN efforts to join its community vision for 2025 with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. AIPA supports ASEAN’s initiatives regarding comprehensive regional connectivity, environmental protection, climate change, and plastic waste reduction,” she said.
Ms. Ngan said that next year, Vietnam will hold both the ASEAN Chair and the AIPA Chair, and become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. She noted that Vietnam will do its utmost to make AIPA a true representative of ASEAN people.