The ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)’s 41st General Assembly has dealt with a number of measures for the member countries, especially recovery plans in the course of the global health crisis.

Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, the Chairwoman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, and the President of the AIPA 41 General Assembly at the meeting on December 23. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Preventive measures against the pandemic, economic recovery in and post-pandemic, promoting gender equality, women empowerment, and ensuring employment for women in the pandemic were among the main issues of the meetings, according to Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, the Chairwoman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, and the President of the AIPA 41 General Assembly.

In addition, other important issues are those relating to peace, security and stability in the region, free navigation in East Sea (referring to the South China Sea) and rule-based approach following the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, Ms. Ngan said at the meeting on December 23 reviewing the AIPA Chairmanship for 2019-2020.

She said the meetings were held virtually for the first time in the history of AIPA due to the pandemic with the attendance by the 10 AIPA Member Parliaments.

The General Assembly this year adopted reports and resolutions on Sustainable Development, Education and Culture Cooperation, Social Affairs, Drug Combat, and activities towards a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN Community.

AIPA serves as the hub of communication and information among Member Parliaments which consist of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.