Leaders of delegations at the preparatory meeting for the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly pose for a photo. VNA/VNS Photo Ngọc Quang-Hữu Kiên

BANGKOK On Friday, National Assembly Vice Chairman Uông Chu Lưu attended a preparatory meeting for the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) on the occasion of the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Lưu thanked the Thai National Assembly for organising the ASEAN-AIPA leaders’ meeting, saying it helped increase the position of AIPA and ASEAN. He said the partnership between the two sides should be consolidated to serve common interests.

Leading officials of parliaments of AIPA member states exchanged opinions on the AIPA Message which highlights important current issues in the ASEAN Community and emphasises AIPA’s role in building the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

The Vietnamese official said that in the context of rapid political and economic change in the world and the region, AIPA should continue to act as ASEAN's partner to consolidate the bloc’s voice in regional issues.

He proposed adding several things to the AIPA Message, including security challenges in the bloc like drug smuggling and human trafficking. He also underlined the importance of intensifying co-operation between legislative bodies to address regional issues for the benefit of the entire ASEAN Community.

In the afternoon, delegates were expected to discuss and adopt the message, to be delivered at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of AIPA today.

On June 22 and 23, NA Vice Chairman Lưu is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of AIPA and the opening session of the 34th ASEAN Summit, and hold bilateral meetings with the speakers of the Thai Senate and House of Representatives, as well as other AIPA delegation heads. VNS