VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) should support ASEAN centrality and unity in facing increasing competition between the world's major powers, according to Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker, Puan Maharani.

Maharani, who chaired the general assembly, said that the meeting's theme is in line with Indonesia's Chair's theme at the 42nd ASEAN Summit, "ASEAN Matters: Epicenter of Growth."

"The theme emphasizes the importance of ASEAN as an anchor of world stability from a political-security perspective and as a growth center from an economic perspective," she stated during the Courtesy Call agenda with delegation leaders in Jakarta on Monday.

She underscored the need for AIPA members to play an active role in overcoming various dynamics of regional and global challenges, including the crisis in the ASEAN region regarding increasing geopolitical tensions.

"This General Assembly takes place when the world is at a crossroads. In Southeast Asia, we are also experiencing an increase in geopolitical tensions, while at the global level, economic growth is slowing, not to mention the impact of global warming that continues to worsen," she remarked.

The 44th AIPA General Assembly's theme of "Responsive Parliaments for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN" aims to remind parliaments to be responsive in dealing with various multidimensional crises, Maharani stated.

Therefore, she noted that cooperation between the parliaments of ASEAN member countries is important, as friendly relations can open up opportunities and expand cooperation between ASEAN member countries.

"Parliamentary contributions are increasingly needed in developing cooperation between countries, creating peace, and reducing tensions between major powers," she stated.

According to Maharani, ASEAN needs to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining stability and security in Southeast Asia amid increasing tensions in the region.

She expressed optimism that the solidarity and friendship of ASEAN countries would help create a productive AIPA meeting.

"The 44th AIPA General Assembly is also expected to become a forum for members of Parliament in Southeast Asia to strengthen friendship," she affirmed.

After greeting leaders of the delegates from the nine AIPA parliaments, Maharani conducted a courtesy call with leaders of the parliamentary delegations of observer countries present at the General Assembly.

"Parliaments need to contribute to overcoming various international problems. This can be done through dialogue between AIPA and the parliaments of observer countries," she remarked.

Maharani stated that AIPA member parliaments and observer country parliaments can collaborate in facing various global challenges together and supporting the creation of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asia region.

"At the end of the session, AIPA is expected to produce recommendations to realize peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia. The consensus that AIPA will be committed to is expected to help intergovernmental collaboration with parliaments in ASEAN," she remarked.

AIPA's 44th General Assembly is being held in Jakarta on August 7-9 and is attended by the parliamentary chairpersons of nine ASEAN members, namely Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and AIPA Secretary-General Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman attended the Courtesy Call agenda on Monday morning.

The General Assembly was also attended by 18 observer and guest countries, as well as representatives from nine international organizations. A total of 568 delegates attended the assembly. (Antaranews)