Appendix C

38GA/2017/REP/JTCOM

JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ

INTRODUCTION

1. The 38th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) with the theme, “AIPA and ASEAN: Partnering for Inclusive Change” was held in Manila, Philippines on 14-20 September 2017 pursuant to the Statutes of AIPA and the decision of the 37th General Assembly of AIPA held in Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar on 29 September to 3 October 2016.

2. His Excellency Pantaleon D. Alvarez, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines and President of AIPA presided over the 38th AIPA General Assembly.

DELEGATIONS

3. The 38th AIPA General Assembly was attended by delegations from the following AIPA Member Countries: Brunei Darussalam, led by H.E Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Rahman Taib, Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam; the Kingdom of Cambodia, led by H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia; the Republic of Indonesia, led by H.E. Dr. Fadli Zon, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia; Lao People’s Democratic Republic led by H.E. Madame Pany Yathotou, the President of the National Assembly of Lao PDR; Malaysia led by Hon. Dato’ Sri Haji Ismail Bin Mohamed Said, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia; the Republic of the Union of Myanmar led by Hon. Mr. T. Khun Myatt, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Myanmar; the Republic of the Philippines led by Hon. Rodolfo C. Fariñas, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives; the Republic of Singapore led by Hon. Lim Biow Chuan, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore; the Kingdom of Thailand led by H.E. Prof. Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand; and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam led by Hon. Mdm. Tong Thi Phong, Vice President of the National Assembly of Viet Nam.

4. It was also attended by delegations from the following Observer Countries: Commonwealth of Australia led by Hon. George Christensen, Member of the Parliament of Australia; the Republic of Belarus led by Hon. Doctor Dmitry Shevtsov, Member of the National Assembly of Belarus; Canada led by Hon. Tobias C. Enverga, Jr., Senator of the Senate of Canada; the People’s Republic of China led by Hon. Li Lianning, Member of the National People’s Congress of China; European Parliament led by Hon. Neena Gill, Member of the European Parliament; the Republic of India led by Hon. Ganesh Singh, Member of the Lok Sabha of India; Japan led by Hon. Masahiro Ishii, Member of the House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan; Republic of Korea led by Hon. Oh Jaesae, Member of the Korean National Assembly; Russian Federation led by Hon. Olga Epifanova, Vice-Speaker of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia.

5. The following Guests of the Host also attended: the ASEAN Secretariat represented by Mr. Achmad Kurnia Prawira Mochtan, Deputy Secretary General; ASEAN Supreme Audit Institution (ASEANSAI) represented by Mr. Hendar Ristriawan, Head of Secretariat; Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) represented by Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, President of ERIA; USAID Wildlife Asia/Freeland represented by Mr. Brian V. Gonzales; German Delegation/GIZ represented by Mr. Timo Goosmann, German Representative; and the Parliamentary Institute of Cambodia (PIC) represented by Mr. Dararith Kim-Yeat, Executive Director.

MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF AIPA

6. The Meeting of the Executive Committee of AIPA, chaired by H.E. AIPA President Pantaleon D. Alvarez, approved the Program of Activities for delegates from Member Parliaments and Observer Countries, Agenda for the 38th AIPA General Assembly, Topics for Dialogue with Observer Countries, Committee Memberships and the date and venue of the 39th AIPA General Assembly.

7. The Executive Committee, after exhaustive deliberations, failed to reach a consensus on the approval of the agenda of the Committee on Political Matters.

8. Prior to the Opening Ceremony of the 38th General Assembly, the Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) met on Friday, 15 September 2017 with Hon. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as Chairperson and Hon. Lucy T. Gomez, Member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, as Rapporteur, the WAIPA approved the Resolution on Promoting the Health of Women Migrant Workers.

OPENING CEREMONY

9. The Opening Ceremony of the 38th General Assembly of AIPA was held on Saturday, 16 September 2017 at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Manila, Philippines.
H.E. AIPA President Pantaleon D. Alvarez welcomed the delegates to the 38th AIPA General Assembly.

10. In his Welcome Remarks, AIPA President Pantaleon Alvarez welcomed the delegates to the 38th AIPA General Assembly in the Philippines. He noted that his term as AIPA President coincided with the commemoration of two historic occasions — the 50th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the 40th Anniversary of AIPA.

He noted that given the developments in the region, the role of AIPA will be both crucial and necessary. The theme of this year’s General Assembly — “AIPA and ASEAN: Partnering for Inclusive Change”—is reflective of the need of ASEAN parliamentarians to have more voice in the regional affairs which traditionally has been the exclusive domain of the Executive branch. He averred that the delay in the implementation of regional integration measures may be attributed to the slow ratification of agreements by Member Countries, particularly commitments from the ASEAN Economic Community.

H.E. Pantaleon Alvarez emphasized that AIPA should resolve to fully harmonize the legal frameworks of the ASEAN Member Countries, and to build common standards by promulgating domestic laws in line with ASEAN agreements and commitments. Through parliamentary cooperation with ASEAN, AIPA has pushed for an active role in the evolving regional architecture by highlighting issues through the discussion platforms of the AIPA-ASEAN Interface and the ASEAN Fact Finding Committee to Combat Drug Menace (AIFOCOM).

Under the Philippine stewardship of the 38th General Assembly, the agenda for inclusive representation and participation shall be highlighted. He stated that the commitment to respond to the needs of marginalized sectors in ASEAN Member Countries is an important aspect of the legitimacy of a representative and inclusive assembly.

Over the years, AIPA has welcomed the diversity in the views of its members and of public and international organizations. However, there remains a need for the AIPA Member Countries to increase their engagements with civil society organizations and for taking up the needs of the marginalized.

As the region moves forward to post-2017, AIPA and ASEAN need to recognize that the path to greater prosperity in the region is through increased regional cooperation and interdependence. AIPA President Alvarez noted that the values of mutual respect for each Member’s independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and noninterference in the internal affairs of ASEAN Member Countries have fostered a positive environment in the region.

In conclusion, he highlighted the importance of changing the way ASEAN operates and communicates. To be truly people-oriented and inclusive, the decision-making process of governments and parliaments must be open, inclusive and participatory right from the beginning.

11. H.E. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines, also addressed the 38th AIPA General Assembly.

12. In his Remarks, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, after greeting the AIPA President, delegates from AIPA Member Parliaments and guests, traced the roots of AIPA and considered ASEAN a “modern miracle” that can be attributed to “TEAMWORK” – to respecting each other’s sovereignty, talking to each other, meeting and working with each other, cooperating with each other, consulting each other, and upholding a policy of non-interference in domestic issues.

Sen. Pimentel identified two challenges facing ASEAN: the large gap between the richest and poorest nations and inequality within the individual nations; and, the transfer of ownership of ASEAN from governments to the peoples, from Ministries to communities. Sen. Pimentel expressed confidence that teamwork between and among AIPA Member Parliaments, and between AIPA and its Dialogue Partners will be most beneficial to all concerned. Sen. Pimentel then proposed five key issues for AIPA’s study and consideration: the problem of illegal drugs, terrorism, the region’s state of disaster preparedness, human trafficking, and the inequality in the level of economic development among ASEAN Member Parliaments.

APPOINTMENT OF VICE-PRESIDENTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

13. Pursuant to Article 10 of the Statutes of AIPA, the Heads of Delegations of other Member Parliaments were appointed as Vice- Presidents of the 38th AIPA General Assembly.

STATEMENTS OF HEADS OF DELEGATIONS

14. The Heads of the Delegations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam delivered their respective statements during the First Plenary Session of the General Assembly.

The full text of their statements are attached to the report of the General Assembly.

Brunei Darussalam

15. In his statement, H.E Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Rahman Taib, Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam, stated that AIPA has exerted a concerted effort ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that the issues they raised are considered by the respective Governments. He noted that since joining AIPA, Brunei Darussalam has given and will continue to give support for the enhancement of its engagements with AIPA. He observed that AIPA has been focused and detailed through the formation of AIPA Caucus and AIFOCOM in discussing regional and international issues. It is clear that AIPA has become mature and more sensitive to its surroundings where significant political, economic and social issues, including WAIPA, are addressed. I hope the proposed resolutions that we are going to discuss can be deliberated effectively and efficiently and brings ASEAN closer to AIPA which reinforces the goal of people-centered, people-oriented ASEAN. He expressed hope that we will be able to push forward our desire and collective will to live in a region of lasting peace, security and stability, sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and social progress to forge forwards toward ASEAN 2025.

Additionally, he also recognized the dialogue partner countries of AIPA who have provided AIPA with some support and cooperation in the effort to share opinions and assistance in the perspective of regional and international cooperation. This is a perfect platform and opportunity for AIPA to learn and study their experiences, as well as to exchange ideas that focuses on political, economic and social integration proliferation. These have resulted in unprecedented growth that benefits AIPA greatly.

He observed that the atmosphere of our uncertain world forces us to face the skewing of our climate, uncertainty of economic production, and political unrest, all of which fortifies the importance of inclusive development in achieving our 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development.

Cambodia

16. In his statement, H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, expressed that the theme “AIPA and ASEAN: Partnering for Inclusive Change” is very crucial and relevant to the current regional and global context, and also a reflection of the fundamental role of AIPA in partnering with ASEAN towards the harmonization of the whole ASEAN Community. He stressed that face-to-face discussion between leader of AIPA and ASEAN provides a valuable opportunity to exchange recommendation and to tackle challenges for the progress and prosperity of all ASEAN nations.

He proposed that: (1) AIPA should continue its adherence to the principle of consensus in adopting all resolutions towards the realization of one ASEAN Community; (2) AIPA shall unveil its vision, together with organizing a master plan, which aimed at realizing the common objectives in cooperation with ASEAN and concerned institutions; and (3) AIPA and ASEAN shall make the dissemination of their objectives to peoples more effective so peoples are able to get better knowledge about the future mission of the two regional bodies. He suggested referring to ASEAN consensus principle and mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and noninterference in internal affairs in ASEAN, UN Charter and the Vienna Convention.

Indonesia

17. In his statement, H.E. Dr. Fadli Zon, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, expressed his appreciation to the House of Representatives of the Philippines to host the 38th AIPA General Assembly. In accordance with the theme of the 38th AIPA General Assembly, he addressed that the partnership between legislative and executive is critical. AIPA and ASEAN as the two prominent institutions in Southeast Asia should respond to the numerous internal and external challenges by continuously building and evolving the partnership approach. Further, a collective action plan involving legislative and executive should be pursued in an unprecedented scale. He was convinced that AIPA and ASEAN could improve their partnership by involving more actors. He stated that the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia pledges to continue fostering its involvement in AIPA and reaffirms its support for the achievement of the ASEAN Community 2025, while on the ASEAN Political Security Community pillar, they remain committed to maintain regional peace and stability as the key for sustainable development.

Indonesia expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region and urged all parties to respect the rule of law, exercise maximum selfrestraint and stop the on-going violence against the Rohingya in Rakhine State. Based upon the ASEAN spirit of solidarity and unity, Indonesia supports the effort of the Government and Parliament of Myanmar to restore peace and stability, and provide security and assistance to all those in need irrespective of ethnicity, race, religion and belief. Further, Indonesia encouraged Myanmar to implement the recommendations of the UN Advisory Commission on Rakhine State as well as to open their country to humanitarian assistance and to be observant of international humanitarian law in addressing the refugee crisis.

In the creation of ASEAN Economic Community, he recommended AIPA and ASEAN to seek promoting the involvement of SMEs in the regional supply chain and advocating rural development by providing access to ensure that no one is left behind. In regard to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, he recognized ASEAN’s effort on building a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN Community. H.E. Dr. Fadli Zon ended his speech by stating that the interest of the people should be at the heart of AEC Blueprint, since there will be no community without the people.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

18. In her statement, H.E. Madame Pany Yathotou, the President of the National Assembly of Lao PDR, expressed her sincere thanks to the AIPA President and commended the Parliament, Government and people of the Philippines for the excellent preparations and arrangements for the 38th AIPA General Assembly.

H.E. Yathotou noted the historicity of the 38th AIPA General Assembly, as it coincides not only with the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN and the 40th anniversary of AIPA, but also the 20th anniversary of Lao PDR’s accession to both ASEAN and AIPA. She mentioned the achievements during the 50 years of ASEAN, as well as the complex changes in the regional and international landscapes that present both opportunities and challenges.

She observed that AIPA Member Parliaments play an important role as a constructive driving force of change, and encouraged them to strengthen and consolidate cooperation for the realization of the Vision and Objectives of the ASEAN Community, and to enhance the effectiveness of AIPA’s work under the institutionalized mechanisms. She said both AIPA and ASEAN must work together, and more efforts should be exerted to enhance people’s awareness and regular access to AIPA information.

She declared the support of the Lao National Assembly and people for the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration issued on 08 August 2017, and emphasized the commitment to foster the ASEAN Economic Community. She recounted that the Lao National Assembly and Government have actively participated in the work of AIPA and ASEAN. The Lao National Assembly has also supported and worked – and will continue to support and work – with its Government in implementing the various initiatives and plans, as well as objectives, of ASEAN and the ASEAN Community. She stated that with the partnership between AIPA and ASEAN, and with contributions from all sectors of society and ASEAN’s external partners, ASEAN Member States will achieve their common aspirations.

Malaysia

19. In his statement, Honorable Dato’ Sri Haji Ismail Bin Mohamed Said, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malaysia, spoke on the diversity of ASEAN, the need for inclusion and the harnessing of forces and resources, peace, respect and dialogue.

He emphasized the three pillars of ASEAN, political-security, sociocultural and economic, such as the promotion of lifelong learning and the development of small and medium enterprises.

Recent events like nuclear threat, ethnic and religious sensitivities should be solved by dialogues.

Myanmar

20. In his statement, Hon. Mr. T Khun Myatt, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Myanmar, highlighted that 2017 is a major milestone for the 40th Anniversary of AIPA and the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the ASEAN, and attached great importance of the partnership of AIPA and ASEAN for inclusive change in the community and the ASEAN unity, aiming for its thematic priorities.

He briefly apprised that Myanmar leaders are striving with concerted effort for Democratic Reforms together with Myanmar people despite the challenges such as national reconciliation, peace, rule of law, threats of extremist terrorism, economic growth and human resources development. He also shared that Myanmar Democratic Transition Forum was successfully organized in August 2017 in Nay Pyi Taw and open discussion on certain important topics were made during the forum.

He reaffirmed Myanmar's commitment to the full and effective implementation of ASEAN Community Vision 2025. He expressed that fruitful discussions from 38th AIPA General Assembly would bring constructive outcomes to promote regional and international peace, stability, prosperity and progress.

He informed the Plenary that there will be a State of the Nation Address by State Counsellor on 19 September 2017 in Myanmar and a meeting between ASEAN Foreign Ministers in New York on 23 September 2017 during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly to deal with the issue in the Rakhine State.

Philippines

21. In his statement, Hon. Rodolfo C. Fariñas, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, welcomed the delegates to the 38th AIPA General Assembly. He noted that this gathering marked yet another significant occasion towards shaping a people-oriented and peoplecentered' ASEAN community. Even as the region celebrate these historic events, ASEAN itself has taken significant steps to become a more integrated regional community with a common identity, vision, and sense of purpose through the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

He recognized the many challenges that both ASEAN and AIPA face to remain as relevant organizations that can contribute to the promotion of peace, progress, and stability in the region. The impact of global security, social and economic issues is keenly felt in the Southeast Asia region. Non-traditional security threats such as transnational crime, drug trafficking, and disaster relief and recovery, are issues that have taken on new salience.

These are stark reminders of the fact that in an increasingly globalized world, the challenges we face have repercussions across national borders, and each of us has a stake in the security and well-being of our people in the region.

Many resolutions of the AIPA General Assembly have found their way into the legislation of member countries. Over the years, AIPA Member Parliaments have intensified their work towards fully harmonizing the laws of the Member States, and building common standards of conduct consistent with ASEAN agreements and commitments.

He stressed that AIPA has been the most important partner of ASEAN and that AIPA, as an inter-regional, inter-governmental organization, he underlined that it should enjoy a higher status than other organizations accredited or associated with ASEAN. He argued that AIPA should not be viewed as merely an “associated entity” but rather as a “strategic partner” in the regional integration process.

As ASEAN consolidates and builds on its efforts at regional integration within the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, Hon. Fariñas urged the executive and legislative institutions of the ASEAN Member States to collaborate at a more intensive level to strengthen and consolidate the foundations of a single political, economic and socio-cultural integrated community of the ten nations.

Lastly, he congratulated H.E. Pantaleon D. Alvarez for his exemplary leadership and performance as this year’s AIPA President. He acknowledged the Speaker’s many contributions to strengthen the organization and to enhance AIPA-ASEAN cooperation in the spirit of solidarity, friendship and mutual understanding.

Singapore

22. In his statement, Hon. Mr Lim Biow Chuan, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, emphasized that ASEAN is the collective effort, vision and identity of each and every citizen in our Member States. He emphasized that ASEAN must remain united and resilient to challenges amidst increasing geopolitical complexities. As AIPA is a unique organization that directly represents our people and provides the fundamental links between the peoples and the governments of ASEAN, he encouraged parliamentarians to play a key role in raising awareness of ASEAN and translating the benefits of ASEAN’s community building to the man in the street.

Thailand

23. In his speech, H.E. Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, President of the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand, felt an honor to attend the 38th AIPA General Assembly and congratulates the Philippine Congress in hosting this august meeting of AIPA. He mentioned that this year marks an auspicious occasion of AIPA celebrated its 40th anniversary. In this occasion, the Thai National Assembly conducted a seminar under the topic on “Four Decades of AIPA and the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Thailand” and issued a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate the event.

He emphasized that AIPA must take action and play our effective roles in supporting ASEAN in three means. Firstly, carrying on the mission of implementing agreements and regulations regarding the aspirations of the ASEAN vision 2025. Secondly, maintaining its commitment to accomplish the goal of raising people awareness of ASEAN Community. Finally, continuing seek common understanding on comparative law and legal procedures to acknowledge and respect our differences and similarities.

Vietnam

24. In her speech, H.E. Mdm. Tong Thi Phong, First Vice President of the National Assembly of Viet Nam, mentioned that ASEAN now plays a key role in the region, and is working towards the vision of being a “peaceful, stable, and resilient community with enhance capacity to response effectively to challenges.” She expressed that AIPA has asserted its role and voice as the facilitator for cooperation among organizations and to represent the will of the aspiration of the ASEAN people. She also stated that AIPA and ASEAN need to raise awareness of the people at the national and regional level about the activities and the abilities as a way to contribute to the ASEAN Community building process.

She urged that AIPA needs to better play its role in strengthening parliamentary diplomacy among ASEAN Member States along with ASEAN partners by providing practical solutions. She emphasized that AIPA should uphold ASEAN principles and standards of conduct in strengthening and utilizing ASEAN’s centrality. She recommended to improve the effectiveness and substance of the annual meeting between AIPA Representatives and ASEAN Leaders to strengthen interaction, innovate the forms of exchange, thereby promoting the close cooperation between the legislative bodies and the government of ASEAN Member Countries. She encouraged that should innovate and enhance its effectiveness by improving the coordination between the AIPA Secretariat and other national secretariats, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat.

STATEMENTS OF THE HEADS OF DELEGATIONS OF OBSERVER COUNTRIES

25. The Heads of the Delegations of the Observer Countries, namely the Russian Federation, Australia, Belarus, Canada, People’s Republic of China, the European Parliament, India, Japan, and Korea delivered their respective statements during the First Plenary Session of the General Assembly.

STATEMENTS OF THE GUESTS OF THE HOST

26. The Guests of the Host, namely ASEAN Secretariat represented by Mr. Achmad Kurnia Prawira Mochtan, Deputy Secretary General; ASEAN Supreme Audit Institution represented by Mr. Hendar Ristriawan, Head of Secretariat; and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) represented by Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, President of ERIA, likewise delivered their respective statements during the First Plenary Session of the General Assembly.

MESSAGES OF THE HEADS OF STATES/GOVERNMENTS

27. The 38th General Assembly of AIPA received messages from the following Heads of States/Governments, namely H. E. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines; H.E. Tran Dai Quang, State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; H. E. J. Y. Pillay, Acting President of the Republic of Singapore; H. E. U Htin Kyaw, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; H. E. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia; H. E. Bounnhang Vorachith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; H. E. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia; His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia; and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Full text of their messages are attached to the final report.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committee on Economic Matters

The Committee on Economic Matters approved the following resolutions:

1. Resolution on Developing Policies and Strategies to Address Problems on Regional Food Security (Philippines)
2. Resolution on Supporting the Implementation of Financial Inclusion Programs in ASEAN (Philippines)
3. Resolution Promoting an Inclusive and Innovation-led Growth for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) (Indonesia)
4. Resolution on Intra-Regional Economic Cooperation for Equitable Development and Inclusive Growth in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) (Viet Nam)

Committee on Social Matters

The Committee on Social Matters approved the following resolutions:

1. Resolution on the Report of the 13th AIFOCOM
2. Resolution on the Terms of Reference by the AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD) (Philippines)
3. Resolution on Combating Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics (Indonesia)

Committee on Organizational Matters

The Committee on Organizational Matters approved the following resolutions:

1. Resolution on Corporate Rebranding of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)
2. Resolution on Amendments to the Statutes of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)
3. Resolution on Communication Master Plan of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)
4. Resolution on the Publishing of the “40 Years of AIPA” Commemorative Book and Appreciation to the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Publishing and Launching the Book
5. Resolution Appreciating the Federal Republic of Germany for the Cooperation and Implementation of the Project of Capacity Development for the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)
6. Resolution on Audited Financial Report of the AIPA Secretariat for the Period of 1 August 2016 to 31 July 2017
7. Resolution on Estimated Budget for the AIPA Secretariat for the Period 1 of August 2017 to 31 July 2018; Supplementary Estimate from 1 August 2018 to 30 September 2018 (FY 2018/2019); and (3) Special Fund
8. Resolution on the Adoption of the Work Plan 2017 of the AIPA Secretariat
9. Resolution on Formulating and Implementing Project Based Initiative on Strengthening Legal Framework to protect Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism
10. Resolution on Human Capacity Development as a Framework in Improving Capacities of Secretariat Personnel of AIPA Member Parliaments
11. Resolution on Developing AIPA Capacity (Indonesia)
12. Resolution on the Amendment on Criteria and Guidelines on “AIPO Distinguished Service Award”
13. Resolution Commending His Excellency Pantaleon D. Alvarez for His Outstanding Performance as President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly
    

    The Committee on Organizational Matters deferred to the next AIPA General Assembly the approval of the Resolution on AIPA Distinguished Service Award as consensus was not reached on the giving of the award.

14. Resolution on Date and Venue of the 39th General Assembly

DIALOGUES WITH OBSERVER COUNTRIES

The General Assembly, through its dialogue panels conducted separate meetings with Observer Countries, namely: Australia, Republic of Belarus, Canada, People’s Republic of China, European Parliament, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation.

The topics discussed with dialogue partners were:

1. Strengthening Cooperation in Disaster Management; and
2. Strengthening Cooperation in Combatting Transnational Crimes, Particularly on Cybersecurity, Combatting Terrorism and Violent Extremism, Trafficking in Persons, Illegal Drugs and Fuel Smuggling.

39TH AIPA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Pursuant to Article IX of the AIPA Statutes which provides that the venue of the General Assembly shall be rotated among the Member Parliamentarians in alphabetical order unless otherwise decided by the General Assembly, Hon. Lim Biow Chuan, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, confirmed the hosting of the 39th AIPA General Assembly which will be held in Singapore on 3-7 September 2018.

APPRECIATION TO THE HOST COUNTRY

The Delegations attending the 38th AIPA General Assembly expressed their sincere appreciation to the Philippine Government and to the House of Representatives of the Philippines, as well as to the Filipino people for their warm welcome, generous hospitality and the excellent arrangements for the 38th AIPA General Assembly.

APPRECIATION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASEAN INTERPARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

The Delegations attending the General Assembly extended their sincere gratitude and appreciation to H.E. Pantaleon D. Alvarez, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines for his able leadership in further strengthening AIPA and AIPA-ASEAN cooperation in the spirit of solidarity, friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding.