Jakarta (VNA) – TheASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), through cooperation, can contributeto peace-building, development promotion, and addressing the current climatecrisis, emphasised Speaker of the People's RepresentativeCouncil (lower house) of Indonesia (DPR) Puan Maharani as part of her closing remarks at the AIPA’s 44thGeneral Assembly (AIPA-44) on August 9.

The official stated that AIPAneeds to continue ensuring an inclusive and people-centred ASEAN that always takes actions against hunger, poverty, inequality, generating employment,and provides people with access to quality education and health care services. Additionally, it should collaborate with governments to turn globalchallenges into opportunities.

Puan clarified that ASEAN,with a GDP of 3.9 trillion USD and a population of 680 million, needs to becomea driving force of the global economy. To achieve this, the bloc needs a deepereconomic integration and a larger role in the global supply chain.

She expressed her hope thatthe commitments made at AIPA-44 will be translated into specific actions ineach country's parliament, and will inspire everyone to work together to build a safer, more stable, and more prosperous Southeast Asian region andworld.

At the closing session, the DPR speaker handed over the AIPA presidency gavel and rotating flag to Presidentof the Lao National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane. Laos is set to host theAIPA-45 in October 2024.

Earlier on the same day, the General Assembly held its second plenary session,focusing on three main agenda items – presenting and approving reports fromAIPA committees, announcing the timing and location of the AIPA-45, and signingthe Joint Communiqué./.