ASEAN Parliaments pledge to promote peace and cooperation through dialogue
Amid global uncertainty and geopolitical developments, ASEAN nations must stay united under the spirit of one vision, one identity, and one community, said Second Vice-President of the Cambodian Senate Thun Vathana.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (first, left) attends the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Kuala Lumpur on May 26, 2025. (Photo: DVNA)
Phnom Penh (VNA)🅰 – Cambodia’s AKP news agency reported that the 16th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus concluded successfully in Phnom Penh on July 16, reaffirming member parliaments’ commitment to fostering peace and cooperation through dialogue.
Delegates approved the 16th AIPA Caucus report, reflecting consensus on critical issues, including gender equality, youth empowerment, climate-change resilience, and enhanced regional integration. This report will be submitted for ratification at the 46th AIPA General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur in September.
In his closing speech, Second Vice-President of the Cambodian Senate Thun Vathana spoke highly of the meeting’s positive outcomes and the spirit of mutual respect and unity displayed by all participants. He emphasised the value of parliamentary dialogue, stating that member parliaments demonstrate an action-oriented and result-driven approach, underscoring individual contributions and collective commitment.
Vathana also noted that amid global uncertainty and geopolitical developments, ASEAN nations must stay united under the spirit of one vision, one identity, and one community.
“The unity can be realised only if we all work together with respect for rule-based dialogue, mutual agreement, and international law,” he explained.
Themed “Peace Through Dialogue: The Parliamentary Path Forward”, the four-day AIPA Caucus (July 12-16) brought together lawmakers from member parliaments, observers, and partner organisations to discuss regional priorities and legislative cooperation./.
Malaysia’s presidency of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) next year will prioritise enhancing ASEAN connectivity by expanding both physical and digital infrastructure to boost trade, investment and people movement, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
The Vietnamese delegation's substantive and constructive contributions to the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) have left lasting impressions among participants.
On August 11, major RoK outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, KBS, The Korea Herald, and The Korea Times, provided prominent coverage of the talks held the same day between General Secretary Lam and President Lee Jae Myung, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, security, technology, and culture.
The Singaporean government needs to enable people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and enhance their competitive advantage. It “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm both ASEAN member states' and partners’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and narrowing development gaps.
Thailand emits roughly 350 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with the energy and industrial sectors accounting for more than 75% of this amount. Though this volume represents just 1% of global emissions, the Thai Government is eager to achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050.
The Malaysian government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable, and competitive electricity within Malaysia’s future energy mix.
It aims to identify and honour digital technology initiatives, products, and solutions with practical applications; promote creativity in technology development; anticipate trends and development potential in digital technology; and recognise the role of digital technology in economic growth and enhancing quality of life for citizens in ASEAN countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
