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JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ INTRODUCTION (1) Pursuant to the decision of the 30th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) held in Thailand on 2-8 August 2009, and in accordance with the Statutes of AIPA, the 31st General Assembly was held in Viet Nam on 19 - 25 September 2010 under the theme “Solidarity for the Sustainable Development of the ASEAN Community”. The Assembly was held in Ha Noi against the background of Viet Nam’s anniversaries, such as the 65th anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the Millenary Anniversary of Thang Long - Ha Noi, the 15th Anniversary of AIPA membership of Viet Nam National Assembly.
(2) H.E. Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong, President of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and AIPA President, presided over the 31st AIPA General Assembly.
(3) H.E. Mr. Nong Duc Manh, General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party, hosted the courtesy call of all Heads of Delegation of the 31st AIPA.
OPENING ADDRESS (4) The President of AIPA and President of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong, opened the 31st AIPA General Assembly on 21 September 2010. In his opening address, the President highlighted the significance of the 31st General Assembly held against the background of the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the millenary anniversary of Thang Long-Ha Noi. The President called on Member Countries to take stronger collective actions to effectively deal with common challenges in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and unity. The President also stated that the spirit of unity, consensus and the promotion of traditional values and fundamental principles in relations among Southeast Asian countries were the decisive factors for the implementation of the ASEAN Charter on the building of the politically coherent, economically integrated and socially caring ASEAN Community. The President emphasized the need for AIPA to concentrate on establishing legal framework for regional cooperation and assisting ASEAN Governments in implementing their socio-economic development tasks. Though AIPA has taken initial steps forward in legislation harmonization in fighting drugs and human trafficking, it should proceed, on the basis of experience gained, to expand harmonization to other areas. Successful meeting between AIPA and ASEAN Leaders on the occasion of the 16th ASEAN Summit has been welcomed and appreciated as a necessary and significant step in establishing a coordinating mechanism between the legislative and executive bodies in realizing the ASEAN Community. The President concluded by stating that the 31st AIPA General Assembly would reflect the voice of the people, help ASEAN’s integration and action programmes reach out to the people of the region.
WELCOME ADDRESS (5) In his welcome address, the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, H.E Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung underlined the progress in the collaboration between ASEAN and AIPA, especially the now regular meetings between the ASEAN Leaders and AIPA representatives. Concrete measures and actions should be worked out to enhance cooperation and accelerate regional integration, as well as to expand external relations and raise the role and international standing of the Association. The Prime Minister stressed the need for ASEAN to remain outward looking. The Prime Minister spoke highly of timely actions taken by ASEAN to respond to emerging challenges, particularly ASEAN Leaders’ Statements on Sustained Economic Recovery and Development and in Joint Response to Climate Change. The central role played by ASEAN in regional dialogue and cooperation processes was stressed and the wide range of high-level activities between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners on the occasion of the 5th East Asia Summit with first-ever participation of the US and Russia given prominence. The Prime Minister also spoke of the joint efforts and close coordination between the executive and the legislative in promoting the realization of the ASEAN Community by 2015. Furthermore, the Prime Minister called on the Assembly to discuss and come up with practical measures to strengthen unity, and close and comprehensive bonds to cope with challenges. As ASEAN moves to a cohesive and rule-based community, ASEAN Parliaments should facilitate early ratification and entry into force of signed legal documents and make greater efforts to harmonize legislations and policies in support of the goal of deepening regional integration and community building.
DELEGATIONS (6) The Delegations from Brunei Darussalam led by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak (Dr.) Kemaludin Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Haji Mohd. Yassin, Speaker of the Legislative Council, the Kingdom of Cambodia led by Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly; the Republic of Indonesia led by Mr. Marzuki Alie Abdul Madjid, Speaker of the House of Representatives; the Lao People’s Democratic Republic led by Mr. Thongsing Thammavong, President of the National Assembly; Malaysia led by Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Pandikar Amin bin Hj. Mulia, Speaker of the House of Representatives; the Republic of the Philippines led by Mr. Al Francis Bichara, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee; the Republic of Singapore led by Mr. Abdullah Tarmugi, Speaker of the Parliament; the Kingdom of Thailand led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tassana Boontong, Second Vice-President of the Senate; and The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam led by Mrs. Tong Thi Phong, Vice-President of the National Assembly attended the Assembly. (7) Also present was Special Observer Delegation from the Union of Myanmar led by Dr. Tun Shin, Deputy Attorney General. The Delegation from the ASEAN Secretariat as Guest of the Host, led by H.E. Ambassador Bagas Hapsoro, Deputy Secretary General attended the Assembly. Delegations from Australia led by Mr. John Murphy (MP); Canada led by Senetor Joseph A.Day; the People’s Republic of China led by Mr. Zha Peixin, Member of the Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress; the European Parliament led by Mr. Robert Goebbels, Vice-Chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the Southeast Asian Countries and ASEAN; Japan led by member of the House of Councillors Mr. Takeshi Maeda; the Republic of Korea led by member of the National Assembly Mr. Jin Seong Ho; and the Russian Federation led by Hon. Iskuzhin Rudik, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Federation Commission, the Council of the Federation Performance Maintenance Monitoring also attended the Assembly as observers. (8) The Delegation from the Republic of India led by Mr. Harsh Kumar G.V., member of the Lok Sabha, was invited to the 31st AIPA as Guest of the Host. VICE-PRESIDENTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (9) The General Assembly elected H.E. Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak (Dr.) Kemaludin Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Haji Mohd. Yassin of Brunei Darussalam; H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin from Cambodia; H.E. Dr. Marzuki Alie Abdul Madjid from Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Thongsing Thammavong from Laos; H.E. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Pandikar Amin bin Hj. Mulia from Malaysia; H.E. Mr. Al Francis Bichara from the Philippines; H.E. Mr. Abdullah Tarmugi from Singapore; H.E. Assoc. Prof. Dr.Tassana Boontong from Thailand; and H.E. Mdm Tong Thi Phong from Viet Nam to be Vice Presidents.
MESSAGES FROM HEADS OF STATE/GOVERNMENT (10) The 31st AIPA received the messages from the following Heads of State/Government: H.M. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam; H.M. Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia; H.E Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia; H.E Mr. Choummaly Sayasone, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; H.E. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib, Prime Minister of Malaysia; H.E. Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines; H.E. Mr. S. R. Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore; H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand; and H.E. Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar;
STATEMENTS OF HEADS OF DELEGATION (11) The Heads of the Delegations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Myanmar delivered their respective statements at the First Plenary Session of the General Assembly.
Brunei Darussalam (12) Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak (Dr.) Kemaludin Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Haji Mohd. Yassin, Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam, expressed his appreciation to the Government and people of Viet Nam for the hospitality and excellent arrangements offered to his delegation. He also congratulated Viet Nam on the Millenary Anniversary of Ha Noi. He spoke highly of the contribution of AIPA in various issues and concerns of the region, and emphasized that the AIPA-ASEAN meeting had illustrated the AIPA’s desire to cooperate closely with ASEAN in realizing the ASEAN’s vision to achieve the ASEAN Community by 2015. He expressed support for the theme of the 31st AIPA General Assembly of “Solidarity for Sustainable Development of the ASEAN Community”, which had been in line with the ASEAN’s objectives. He was encouraged with the progress made in building the three pillars of Political-Security, Socio-Cultural and Economic Communities. He highlighted the importance of the process of consultations and dialogue and the greater participation of the people in all efforts to accelerate the ASEAN Community building process, in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity. He expressed the commitment and support of Brunei Darussalam to work with AIPA in promoting and maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
The Kingdom of Cambodia (13) In his statement, Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, underlined that further enhancement of the ASEAN integration process requires the tight cooperation with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, ASEAN governments, special observer and observer-countries and its institutions. He further added that since globalization is challenging the economies of Least Developed Countries most, their efforts towards integration should be increasingly taken under consideration by the international community. The President noted that the recent security issues in the ASEAN region are challenging and require peaceful solutions within the legal framework, based on mutual understanding and trust. He commented that the ASEAN Security Community Plan of Action provides a common basis for dispute settlement, to secure peaceful coexistence and an environment of democracy and harmony. The President stressed the strengthening of the ASEAN
Inter-Parliamentary Assembly as legislative counterpart of ASEAN, as well as
the ASEAN-AIPA cooperation as crucial to reach the objectives of the ASEAN
Community by 2015. (14) H.E. Dr. Marzuki Alie Abdul Madjid, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives underlined the significant message implied by the theme of the 31st General Assembly of AIPA “Solidarity for Sustainable Development of the ASEAN Community” by recalling the objective of establishment of the ASEAN Community, which is to strengthen the ASEAN integration in dealing with the development of international political constellation. He drew attention to transnational crimes, especially those related to money laundering all over the world as the impact of globalization and economic interdependence among countries. He also cited that ASEAN should strengthen regional and international cooperation in implementing the same standard in handling the matter and having mechanism of impartial information exchange. He confirmed support of the Indonesian Parliament to develop an Agreement of ASEAN Extradition as an act to maintain stability and security and democratization in the region. To this end, he welcomed the upcoming general elections in Myanmar to be held at the beginning of November 2010. He emphasized the importance of law harmonization in trade and investment and other sectors, such as sustainable environment development, pandemics, and so on. He also emphasized the role of Indonesia in realizing AIPA’s aspiration to improve the status of AIPA as stated in the ASEAN Charter from an “entity associated with ASEAN” to be “the most important partner of ASEAN”. In addition, he requested the AIPA delegates to consider Bahasa Indonesia language as one of the working language at the AIPA meetings.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (15) H.E. Mr. Thongsing Thammavong, President of the Lao National Assembly congratulated the President of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for his innovative leadership of AIPA in the past year, and thanked the Vietnamese National Assembly for its excellent organization for the Assembly. Furthermore, the President of the Lao National Assembly acknowledged the conduct of the 31st General Assembly of AIPA as very timely and crucial given the opportunities as well as possible threats within the region. He pointed out that this General Assembly would significantly contribute to the realization of the ASEAN Charter and the increasing role of ASEAN and AIPA within the region. He added that these achievements, nevertheless, will not be possible without the commitment and support of Parliaments in the region. The President expressed the full commitment to the integration of the ASEAN Vision and AIPA resolutions into the national legislations. He added that the Lao National Assembly has performed its role as oversight body for government and the judiciary to further improve their work and implementation of laws and policies. He reported to the Assembly that the Lao National Assembly has also contributed to the framework of AIPA, IPU, APPF, and has ratified numerous international treaties. He reaffirmed that Lao National Assembly strongly supported AIPA’s policy of strengthening the coordination between AIPA and ASEAN ensuring that this is consistent with the enhanced role of AIPA member parliamentarians.
Malaysia (16) In his statement, H.E. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Pandikar Amin Bin Haji Mulia, Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives, stressed that having continued as a strong and vibrant entity, AIPA sought to forge further to strengthen our relationships and cooperation. He stated that besides economic, socio-cultural and security aspects, ASEAN should focus on raising awareness of our ASEAN identity as well as our own nationality to establish an ASEAN Community by 2015. He added that as a single community, ASEAN should intensify cooperation and consider legislations on common issues such as population growth, economic development, unemployment, poverty, diseases, disaster, drug menace, trafficking of persons and transborder crimes. He called upon AIPA Member Countries to continue to discuss and ensure free and fair trade, going towards an integrated ASEAN economy that would attract investors and magnify our voices, influence and leverage, and to work hard for regional stability and security.
The Philippines (17) H.E. Al Francis Bichara, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, noted the following developments in ASEAN which had taken place since the 30th AIPA meeting in 2009. He said the ASEAN today has a fully functioning ASEAN human rights body, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. He urged AIPA parliamentarians to exchange views on the protection of human rights and democracy and the promotion of greater cooperation with ASEAN to advance gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and children. On the economic front, he noted that the ASEAN Leaders in the 16th Summit committed to focus efforts to ensure financial stability, foster regional infrastructure development and connectivity, promote sustainable development and narrow the development gap in the aftermath of the global financial and economic crisis. He affirmed the support of the Philippines for the institutionalization of ASEAN’s participation in the G20 process and for the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM). On the socio-cultural area, he sought the support of AIPA for conserving the biodiversity of the Philippines. Cognizant that 2010 had been declared the year of biodiversity, he said the Philippines had expressed its commitment to longer term cooperative action towards biodiversity in the region, including sustaining the operations of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity. He affirmed that AIPA had a responsibility to promote ASEAN identity among its constituents through projects such as the ASEAN Culture Capital of which the Philippines was given the title for the year 2010-2011. H.E. Bichara concluded that AIPA should continue to play a constructive role by assisting the ASEAN to bring the ASEAN Charter to the doorsteps of the ASEAN peoples.
The Republic of Singapore (18) H.E. Mr. Abdullah Tarmugi shared with the 31st AIPA General Asembly on how ASEAN, under Viet Nam’s Chairmanship, has continued to make steady progress in the various community building initiatives under the three pillars. These developments demonstrated the strong political will and determination of ASEAN to move ahead despite the many challenges the region faces. He further added that ASEAN’s longstanding practice of maintaining an outward-oriented, open and inclusive approach has placed the region in a good position to ride the changes that the future may present. As the 31st AIPA General Assembly looked at enhancing cooperation between AIPA and the many governmental tracks in ASEAN, H.E. Mr. Abdullah Tarmugi suggested that AIPA parliamentarians could do more by seeking further information from their respective governments which in turn would promote greater engagement within the region. H.E. Mr. Abdullah Tarmugi commented that AIPA parliamentarians had a unique place and role within ASEAN and through their grassroots links, could help to convey ASEAN policies for regional cooperation. As AIPA was the only regional forum for ASEAN parliaments, this presented a suitable opportunity to renew ties, exchange ideas and share best practices. Although AIPA members may not find convergence in every field of cooperation, the focus should be placed on commonalities and what serves the interest of ASEAN and her people.
The Kingdom of Thailand (19) H.E Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tassana BOONTONG, Second Vice-President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand addressed the 31st General Assembly that there had been remarkable progress in 2010 in the implementation of the ASEAN Charter and the Roadmap for the ASEAN Community by 2015. She cited that the Informal Meetings of the AIPA Delegation and ASEAN Heads of States/Governments had reflected their intention and commitment to create the ASEAN Community through parliamentary means and the harmonization of laws to facilitate the functioning of the three pillars for a people-oriented ASEAN Community. She noted that there had been two AIPA Caucus Meetings held so far in the last two years which had demonstrated the seriousness of AIPA to participate in the conducts of ASEAN affairs and to contribute to the integration of ASEAN. However, resolutions of the AIPA General Assemblies which set directions and tones for AIPA actions on various issues, from different fronts and with multiple friends and allies are not being critically implemented by the Member States or through the existing AIPA system and AIPA-ASEAN mechanisms. She supported calls from past and current hosts for member countries to implement AIPA resolutions. The Second Vice-President of the Senate stated that all regions in
the world faced several challenges and the recent financial turbulence had
affected all economies. The statistical recession might be over but the human
recession might not, because unemployment was still climbing and meeting the
Millennium Development Goals were still the daunting tasks in many regions. She
further stated that much energy and time had been spent dealing in 2009 with
climate change and the financial crisis, HIV/AIDS and newly emerging pandemic
diseases as well as child survival and maternal health remained vital issues
globally and which called for a sound global social safety net. She urged
Parliaments and the entire world to address such challenges even as the
financial crisis and economic disparities are still influencing the world
today. She reported to the 31st General Assembly that the National Assembly of
Thailand had hosted a highly successful 122nd Assembly of the
Inter-Parliamentary Union in Bangkok last April and she had the honour of chairing
the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians. She called on AIPA to support the
Bangkok Declaration on Stopping All Forms of Violence against Women which
received a consensus at the 122nd IPU Assembly. The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (20) In her statement, H.E. Mrs. Tong Thi Phong, Vice President of Viet Nam National Assembly, welcomed all participants to Viet Nam and expressed her gratitude to the appreciation offered by all delegations to Viet Nam as the host parliament of the 31st AIPA. She highlighted the significant timing of the 31st AIPA, which took place in the millennium anniversary of Ha Noi, the capital of Viet Nam, and the theme of the Assembly, which had been agreed upon by AIPA Member Parliaments. She referred to Southeast Asia as a region with great development potential which lived in peace and stability and that AIPA had been developing in line with the regional development. She noted the changes and reforms of AIPA in its organization, structure and working methods to address the new development context of the region, and pointed out the proactive, active and responsible contribution of Viet Nam to this process. The Vice-President spoke highly of the progress made by AIPA, including amendments of Statutes, improvement of organizational structure of the AIPA Secretariat, an increase in dialogues and exchanges and alignment of actions between AIPA and ASEAN and harmonization of legislations for promoting regional integration. She emphasized the indispensable role of AIPA in the regional integration and recommended that AIPA get closer to its voters through outreach activities, people-to-people and parliamentarian exchanges, and expansion of friendship and cooperation between AIPA and inter-parliamentary institutions of other regions. She supported the establishment of annual mechanism for high level consultation between AIPA and ASEAN, and of regular information exchange between the AIPA Secretariat and ASEAN Secretariat. She shared her hope for the concrete outcomes of the General Assembly in dealing with outstanding issues and difficulties in order to strongly promote regional integration for achieving the set targets. She expressed the commitment of the Vietnamese National Assembly to promote the role of AIPA and to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, contributing substantially to and effectively supporting the successful building of an ASEAN Community by 2015. The Union of Myanmar (21) H.E. Dr. Tun Shin, Deputy Attorney General of Myanmar, noted
the work accomplished since the 30th AIPA in various areas, and the success of
the 2nd AIPA Caucus (Singapore). He spoke highly of the ASEAN connectivity
concept and expressed his support for the development of an ASEAN master plan
to realize this concept. He underlined the attention of the Myanmar Government
to the emergence of a democratic nation which is the desire of the entire
people of Myanmar, following the seven-step roadmap for systematic transition
towards democratization in 2003. He stated the completed four steps of the
roadmap, including the reopening of national convention with all status of
life, the process necessary for a genuine disciplined democratic system, the
drafting of the constitution with principles and detailed basic principles laid
down by the national convention, and the national referendum that led to the
ratified constitution on 29th May, 2008. He reported the undertaking fifth step
of holding a free and fair election for HLUTTAW (legislative bodies in
accordance with the new constitution). He informed the Assembly of systematic
process made by the Government with the promulgation of five laws for election,
together with notifications and directives. He cited that a union election
commission had been formed and a registration of political parties had been
made with the rights to gather, accumulate party members, assemble, canvass and
submit names of candidates. He updated the Assembly that 42 political parties
and over 3200 candidates for HLUTTAW members, had been in position and that the
election date as of 7th November 2010 had been announced. He noted the sixth
step of convening of the HLUTTAW elected members and the seventh step of
building of a modern, developed nation by state leaders elected by the HLUTTAW,
and committed to AIPA that the roadmap would be completed. He concluded by
ensuring that process speaks for itself as the saying in Latin goes - “Res Ipsa
Loquitur” (things speak for themselves). STATEMENT OF ASEAN SECRETARIAT (22) In his statement, H.E. Mr. Bagas Hapsoro, Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN, congratulated AIPA on its recent signing of the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities between the Government of Indonesia and the AIPA Secretariat in Jakarta, reflecting the growing importance of parliamentarians in ensuring the stability and development of ASEAN. He highlighted some of the major developments of ASEAN in economic, political and external relations fields. He expressed the appreciation for Viet Nam’s proactive and responsible ASEAN’s Chairmanship 2010 to ensure sustainable development towards the ASEAN Community. He pointed out the need for strong partnership between the ASEAN government machinery, the ASEAN Secretariat and AIPA. STATEMENTS OF OBSERVERS The 31st AIPA General Assembly noted the inputs from Observers, including Australia, Canada, and the People’s Republic of China, the European Parliament, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the Russian Federation, and Guest of the Host – the Republic of India. (23) Australia highlighted the relation with ASEAN in the areas of trade, peace and security, combating against trafficking in people and trade in narcotics, counterterrorism, and so forth. Australia expressed the support for the achievement of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015, and its commitment to assist ASEAN’s less developed members, in line with the Vientiane Action Plan. (24) Canada summarized the negative impacts of the global economic and financial crisis, and pointed out the context of economic recovery. Canada also shared its concern on emerging issues, including environment, pandemic diseases and natural disasters in the world. Canada attached great importance to parliamentary cooperation in its international relations, particularly with the Southeast Asian region. Canada called for the cooperation at regional and global level to ensure global security. (25) The People’s Republic of China congratulated ASEAN on its achievements and expressed China’s resolutely support for the building of the ASEAN Community and the process of integration. China also expressed its support for ASEAN’s leading role in East Asia cooperation and its willingness to join hands with ASEAN to achieve steady progress in East Asia cooperation. China noted that its development could not be achieved without Asia and the world, and the development of Asia and the world also need participation from China. (26) The European Parliament expressed its commitment to being a reliable partner of ASEAN and to improve the cooperation between the two groups on the basis of available better instruments “The Nuremberg Declaration in 2007”. The EP agreed to proceed with bilateral negotiations, but hoped that these would lead to an overall region-to-region agreement. (27) The Republic of Korea called upon ASEAN Member States to pay keen attention to the enormous potential of cultural industry, which can promote the values and legacies of each ASEAN country in the world, and to promote the “Low Carbon, Green Growth” as an innovative idea to create jobs and new growth engine. (28) The Russian Federation called upon AIPA Member Parliaments to recognize drug trafficking originating from known largest growing areas in Asia as global threat. (29) Japan shared with ASEAN its interest in further strengthening peace, security and stability in the region. Japan also highlighted the importance of increasing cooperation aimed at the sustained economic and trade development of the region. While addressing the significance of curbing environmental problems, Japan underlined the abundant nature of ASEAN region and the need to preserve regional biodiversity by means of internal and external cooperation. (30) The Republic of India expressed its appreciation for being invited to AIPA 31 and referred the presence of India in AIPA 31 as the reflection of the desire of the people of India to forge greater contacts between the people India and the ASEAN, as well as the Indian Parliament and the AIPA. India underlined the diverse areas of cooperation between India and ASEAN over the past and committed to further strengthening and expanding its relations with ASEAN.
WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS OF AIPA (WAIPA) Strengthening Social Welfare and Development for Women and Children (31) The Assembly called on AIPA Member Countries and governments of ASEAN to continue to build and improve legal system with the view to ensuring social welfare and rights for women and children. The Assembly called on AIPA member countries to allocate more resources and to strengthen supervision of the implementation of all national policies and regional agreements on social welfare and development for women and children, especially to ensure education, childcare services, healthcare for women and children, as well as employment, capacity building, skills training and legal support for women, especially for the poor, disadvantaged and migrant people. The Assembly encouraged ASEAN to consider and integrate AIPA recommendations on strengthening social welfare and development for women and children into the agenda and programme of activities of ACWC and to report to the next AIPA General Assembly to follow up on our work. The Assembly encouraged AIPA member countries to enhance cooperation and exchange of information and experience in formulation and implementation of laws and policies on social welfare and development for women and children. The Assembly reviewed resolutions adopted and commitments made by member countries in previous AIPA General Assembly and called upon AIPA member countries to honour them. The Assembly supported ASEAN to adopt Ha Noi Declaration on the Enhancement of Welfare and Development of ASEAN Women and Children.
Roles of Women in Economic Recovery after the Financial Crisis (32) The Assembly called upon AIPA member countries and governments of ASEAN to adopt policies and programmes to support women workers, businesses that employ many women; and to support women entrepreneurs in developing business administrative skills as well as access to financial services and markets in order to be able to actively contribute to economic recovery and to adapt themselves to economic challenges. The Assembly also called upon AIPA member countries and governments of ASEAN to adopt policies and programmes to help women in the informal sector and households gain better access to financial services, job training, and ensure social security. The Assembly encouraged ASEAN to consider and incorporate AIPA recommendations on this matter into the agenda and programme of activities of ACWC. The Assembly called upon AIPA member countries to create a forum for women MPs to exchange views, experiences and good practices on roles of women in economic recovery in post-financial crisis.
Report of the Women of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (33) The Assembly adopted the report and recommendations of the Seminar on the Role of Women Parliamentarians in the Law-Making Process, which Viet Nam hosted from 29 November to 3 December, 2009. The Assembly urged all AIPA Member Parliaments to issue a Resolution on Enhancing Cooperation on Gender Mainstreaming in the Law-making Process and Cooperation among Parliamentarians. The Assembly also urged Member Parliaments to organize fora, seminars, and activities for women parliamentarians to better perform representative, legislative and oversight roles. The Assembly urged Member Parliaments to earmark resources for the abovementioned activities and to mainstream gender in all of their activities, particularly by increasing the proportion of women members, institutionalizing gender equality, and establishing or strengthening Women Parliamentarians Caucuses. The Assembly further urged ASEAN Member Parliaments to adopt a law on gender equality, include gender mainstreaming in law-making, and harmonize their national legal systems with international conventions on gender equality. Increasing of women representation in politics (34) The Assembly urged all ASEAN and AIPA member countries to increase women representation in the parliaments, and encouraged all ASEAN and AIPA member countries to develop women’s skills and knowledge in politics such as public speaking, debate skills and election campaigns to increase women’s participation in the political life. The Assembly called for ASEAN and AIPA member countries to develop programs and activities nationally and regionally in terms of increasing of women’s participation in politics, to share and to learn experiences and good practices within ASEAN and AIPA member countries. The Assembly encouraged all ASEAN and AIPA member countries to develop and strengthen legislative means to women empowerment, to increase women’s contribution in the decision- -making process at all levels of administrative and political works. The Assembly called upon all ASEAN and AIPA member countries to provide adequate legal tools, enabling environment, and to ensure appropriate funding to meet the challenges of the third Millennium Development Goals achievement by the year 2015.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS POLITICAL MATTERS Promotion of AIPA-ASEAN Cooperation (35) The Assembly urged the parliaments to maximize their roles in contributing to the building of ASEAN Community and called upon AIPA members to play active role in establishing ASEAN identity and serve as a linkage with ASEAN and an indispensable partner of ASEAN in the region. The Assembly supported the institutionalization of AIPA-ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting annually to promote the cooperation and coordination between legislative and executive branches in establishing a rule-based ASEAN Community. The Assembly agreed to promote the implementation of AIPA’s resolutions and the harmonization of legal systems in counter-terrorism, money laundering, illicit drug and human trafficking, cyber crime to realize an ASEAN of unity, peace, security and prosperity. The Assembly encouraged AIPA to work closely with ASEAN on initiatives to raise peoples’ awareness of ASEAN identity as well as the significance of regional cooperation in securing peace and stability in the region and the world. Global and Regional Security Situation (36) The Assembly called upon AIPA to collaborate with ASEAN to enhance the utilization of ASEAN’s existing tools and mechanisms, such as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ), the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism to ensure regional peace and security through: (i) encouraging the ADMM and the ADMM+8 to be convened on a regular basis to ensure its effectiveness; (ii) encouraging the peaceful settlement of any differences within ASEAN including territorial differences through bilateral and/or multilateral dialogues, consultations, agreements in conformity with international law in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity; (iii) supporting the cooperation and coordination among national security agencies of ASEAN Member States; (iv) strengthening cooperation under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and confidence-building measures; (v) promoting full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea for peace and stability in the region; (vi) strengthening cooperation in addressing non-traditional security issues, particularly in combating transnational crimes and other trans-boundary challenges; (vii) promoting the role of ASEAN centrality in evolving inclusive and equitable regional architecture and community building; and (viii) promoting ties, consultations and cooperation with external parties on multilateral and bilateral issues of common concern. Enhancement of Solidarity and Unity in Diversity in ASEAN (37) The Assembly called upon AIPA to: (i) strengthen ASEAN’s solidarity, cohesiveness and harmony to overcome differences as well as other difficulties and challenges, including the promotion and protection of the rights of migrant workers and respect for laws of the country; (ii) support the enhancement of ASEAN internal connection especially in the spirit of harmonizing national and regional interests, that will help improve the quality of “unity in diversity” of ASEAN; (iii) promote respect and appreciation for the region’s diversity and harmony among the peoples of the region; (iv) support the inclusion of culture of peace which includes, inter alia, the respect for diversity, promote the tolerance and understanding of faiths, religions and cultures in the lives of the people in the region; (v) promote people-to-people exchange, the sharing of experience among AIPA parliamentarians and raise ASEAN’s awareness and sense of community among ASEAN Member States in order to consolidate unity in diversity and enhance deeper mutual understanding among ASEAN Member States; and, (vi) encourage bilateral consultation on various issues when necessary among ASEAN parliamentarians. ECONOMIC MATTERS Promotion of Dialogue with Private Sector (38) The Assembly welcomed and strongly supported ASEAN Leaders' Statement on Sustained Recovery and Development, which reiterates the commitment to intensify dialogues and interactions with the private sector, and called up on AIPA to commission a survey of good practices in public–private dialogue and interaction to examine successful experiences in public–private dialogue and interaction with view to facilitate the exchange of experiences in the formulation and implementation of enterprise development strategies including micro, small and medium enterprises of Member States. The Assembly urged ASEAN Member States to further focus on public–private dialogue in general with a special emphasis on Public Private Partnership (PPP) development through consultation with the private sector, and to ensure transparency and consistency of policies. The Assembly further urged ASEAN Member States to acknowledge the notion of dialogue as a platform for interaction to inform policy development, and an enabling environment for representation, creating the processes of dialogue and its promotion, and the conditions needed to enable individuals to facilitate dialogue. Role of Parliamentarians on the Post Financial-Economic Crisis and the Issue of Sustainable Development (39) The Assembly adopted the report and recommendations made during the AIPA Meeting on the “Role of Parliamentarians on the Post Financial-Economic Crisis and the Issue of Sustainable Development” held in Da Nang from 7 – 10 March, 2010. The Assembly urged all AIPA Member Parliaments to address the issue by (i) proactively implementing the 30th AIPA General Assembly Resolution on Global Financial and Economic Crisis, (ii) strengthening policies and coordinating actions among Member Countries to ensure economic recovery and at the same time to further promote investment and trade, (iii) enhancing technology transfer to assist fellow Member Countries in developing manufacturing sectors, clean energy sources, and green technologies, thus minimizing the impact of climate change and helping prevent natural disasters, (iv) continually promoting bilateral and multilateral exchanges among Member Countries to improve legal frameworks on sustaining development and continuing reform agenda, and (v) encouraging parliamentarians to take active roles in sustainable development. The Assembly further urged ASEAN Member States to build a solid financial foundation, which should include benchmarks, rules and regulations on business accounting, auditing and management, payment system, legal framework regulating financial markets, to ensure the smooth operation of financial institutions and markets. Clean energy and multilateral trading system (40) The Assembly adopted the Final Report of the Second AIPA Caucus Meeting held in June 2010 at Singapore on encouraging clean energy initiative and supporting multilateral trading system.
SOCIAL MATTERS Climate Change, Disaster Management and Pandemic Diseases Prevention (41) The Assembly called upon AIPA Member Countries to be aware of and integrate climate change related issues into legislation and socio-economic development policies, including social welfare. The Assembly also called upon AIPA Member Countries to support and contribute actively into regional and global efforts to reach a legally binding international agreement on climate change with commitments to providing appropriate support and assistance to developing countries to respond to climate change. The Assembly supported the development and implementation of ASEAN’s initiatives to respond to climate change, natural disaster management and pandemic diseases prevention, including the ASEAN Action Plan to Respond to Climate Change and the implementation of the ASEAN Climate Change Initiative (ACCI), the ASEAN Co-ordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management and the ASEAN Risk Communication Resource Centre. The Assembly recommended ASEAN Governments to establish a common mechanism to share information and resources to prevent and control pandemic diseases, particularly emerging diseases related to climate change. Human Resources Development (42) The Assembly supported ASEAN human resources initiatives such as the Cha-Am Hua-Hin Declaration on Strengthening Cooperation on Education to Achieve an ASEAN Caring and Sharing Community; ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Programme 2010-2015 which contains concrete measures to improve the quality and capacity of human resources in the region. The Assembly reaffirmed the commitment to implement the ASEAN Socio-Culture Community (ASCC) Blueprint as the guidance to attain the ASEAN Community by 2015. The Assembly called upon the AIPA Member Countries to enhance cooperation, share experiences in development and monitor the implementation and enforcement of laws, policies and regulations on human resources development. The Assembly urged ASEAN Member States to consolidate the mechanism for government- employers-workers cooperation and public-private partnerships for human resources development and life-long learning; paying attention to skills-development programmes, particularly for the vulnerable groups; enhance regional cooperation towards an ASEAN skills recognition framework. The Assembly called upon the Governments of ASEAN Member States to encourage and support life-long learning. The Assembly recommended that the 17th ASEAN Summit devote itself to human resources and skills development for economic recovery and sustainable growth. Persons with Disabilities (43) The Assembly called upon AIPA Member Countries to actively improve their legal framework to ensure full recognition of all human rights and basic freedoms of persons with disabilities without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability nor gender; create favorable conditions for Governments to implement action plans with a view to enhancing the welfare and quality of life as well as to ensuring the rights of and promoting education, life-long learning, and social integration for persons with disabilities. The Assembly recommended that AIPA Member Countries and Governments focus on mobilizing resources for programmes to enhance beneficiary capability to basic social services and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities, to establish and develop professional social workers, to raise awareness and attention of the entire society to persons with disabilities. The Assembly encouraged AIPA Member Countries and Governments to promote cooperation and share experiences in formulating and implementing legislation and policies concerning persons with disabilities and related issues.
Facilitating the Implementation of AIPA Resolutions on Preventing and Combating Illegal Drugs, and to Improve AIFOCOM Activities
(44) The Assembly agreed to contribute actively to the development of a drug-free ASEAN Community in 2015, through the improvement of legal frameworks and the creation of enabling conditions for ASEAN member governments to successfully implement national and regional action plans to prevent and combat illegal drug trafficking. The Assembly called upon all AIPA Member Countries to harmonize substantial and procedural provisions of their respective laws and mutual assistance in combating illegal drug trafficking. The Assembly encouraged all AIPA Member Countries to focus on mobilizing their resources for and giving emphasis to harm prevention programmes and information exchange and dissemination, with the view to a drug-free ASEAN. The Assembly recommended that the AIFOCOM improves its operations through submission of country reports on preventing and combating drugs in a prescribed form as agreed upon by AIPA Member Countries and the selection of a specific theme in the annual AIFOCOM meeting. The Assembly urged the drafting of an action plan against illegal drug trafficking to be pursued relentlessly by each country in the region. The Assembly recommended that the 1st AIPA Caucus report on the harmonization of illegal drug laws focusing on the capture and seizure of assets used in or possessed from drug-related cases; on the control of reactants and precursors; and on demand reduction interventions be brought up for review and discussion at the 8th AIFOCOM to be held in 2011. The Assembly entrusted the AIPA Secretariat to work with Member Parliaments in the establishment of a Task Force that will study and recommend a prescribed format for the country reports on preventing and combating illegal drug trafficking; to suggest methods and measures to harmonize ASEAN Member States’ drug-related legal systems; and, when necessary, to seek technical and financial assistance from international organizations.
ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS The Secretariat’s Annual Report FY 2009-2010 (45) The Assembly approved the Secretariat’s Annual Report FY 2009-2010
Financial Reports of AIPA Secretariat for the Periods 01 Jul 2009 to 30 Sept 2009, 1 Oct 2008 to 30 Sept 2009, 1 Oct 2009 to 30 Jun 2010 (46) The Assembly approved the financial reports of AIPA Secretariat covering the periods 01 Jul 2009 to 30 Sept 2009, 1 Oct 2008 to 30 Sept 2009, 1 Oct 2009 to 30 Jun 2010.
Budget Proposal for the AIPA Secretariat for the Period 1 Oct 2010 to 30 Sept 2011 (FY 2010/2011) (47) The Assembly approved the estimated expenditure of US$289,095.00 proposed in the Budget Proposal and Explanatory Notes for FY 2010/2011 covering the period from 1 October 2010 to 30 September 2011. Creation of Co-Terminus Positions at AIPA Secretariat (48) The Assembly welcomed the proposal on the creation of additional co-terminus positions at the AIPA Secretariat. The Assembly requested AIPA members to seriously consider this proposal. The Assembly requested the Secretary-General of AIPA to undertake intensive consultations with the AIPA members to revise this proposal and submit the revised proposal to the 32nd General Assembly. Meanwhile, the proposal for the creation of a chief information officer is hereby approved subject to the condition that there will be no budgetary deficit to be incurred as a result thereof.
Accrediting the Parliament of India as an Observer at AIPA (49) The Assembly resolved to accredit the Parliament of India as an Observer in the ongoing and future AIPA General Assembly.
Appreciating the Services of His Excellency Nguyen Phu Trong as President of AIPA from September 2009 to September 2010 (50) The Assembly recognized His Excellency Nguyen Phu Trong’s valuable contribution to the success of AIPA during his term of office and sincerely expressed its deep appreciation and gratitude for his leadership of the organization and wishes him success in all of his future endeavors.
Expressing gratitude for the service of former AIPA Secretary General Dato’ Md. Yusoff Bin Md. Zain (51) The Assembly expressed its great appreciation and gratitude to Dato’ Md. Yusoff Md. Zain for his service to the organization and expressed further its profound thanks to his family members for their unselfish support, which enabled him to effectively perform his duties and responsibilities as the First Secretary General of AIPA; Date and venue of the 32nd General Assembly (52) The Assembly resolved that the 32nd General Assembly shall be held from 18 to 24 of September 2011 in Sihanouk Ville, Cambodia.
DIALOGUES WITH OBSERVER COUNTRIES (53) The Assembly, through its dialogue panels, conducted separate meetings with Observer countries, namely Australia, Canada, the People’s Republic of China, the European Parliament, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation.
32ND AIPA GENERAL ASSEMBLY (54) The General Assembly accepted the kind offer of Cambodia to host the 32nd General Assembly from 18 to 24 of September 2011 in Sihanouk Ville, Cambodia.
APPRECIATION TO HOST COUNTRY (55) The Delegations attending the Assembly expressed their sincere appreciation to the Government and National Assembly of Viet Nam as well as the people of Viet Nam for their warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the 31st AIPA General Assembly. They also expressed their special thanks to His Excellency Mr. Nong Duc Manh, General Secretary of Vietnamese Communist Party for his warm reception.
Done in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, on the Twenty Fourth Day of September, the year Two Thousand and Ten./.
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
KINGOM OF CAMBODIA
REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
MALAYSIA
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
KINGDOM OF THAILAND
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
UNION OF MYANMAR
H.E. NGUYEN PHU TRONG President of AIPA
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