10-8-2023 (JAKARTA) In a significant diplomatic transition, Puan Maharani, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) and President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), formally relinquished the AIPA chairmanship to Laos on Wednesday. This symbolic transfer of leadership marks a pivotal juncture for AIPA, signifying a seamless transition of responsibilities to the Lao Parliament and Speaker, Xaysomphone Phomvihane.
During the ceremonial handover, Maharani, as the 44th President of AIPA, handed the gavel to Laos, symbolizing the Lao presidency for the upcoming AIPA session. She extended her symbolic gesture by presenting the AIPA flag relay, officially transferring the AIPA secretariat from Indonesia to Laos. The transition heralds a new phase of AIPA operations and initiatives under the stewardship of Laos.
The 45th AIPA General Assembly, scheduled for October 2024 in Laos, now assumes the spotlight as the platform for future collaborative endeavours and discussions among ASEAN member nations.
Maharani, reflecting on her tenure, commended the dedication of all delegations in fostering the spirit of ASEAN unity during the 44th AIPA General Assembly. The culmination of this year’s assembly in Jakarta aimed to address a spectrum of regional concerns and forge unified solutions, encapsulated by the theme “Responsive Parliaments for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN.”
While the AIPA presidency transitioned to Laos, Maharani expressed her aspirations for continued momentum and collaborative progress. She affirmed her belief in the transformative potential of AIPA as a catalyst for bridging disparities among member countries, ultimately facilitating agreements founded on mutual understanding and commitment.
Amidst the ceremonious handover, Xaysomphone Phomvihane, the Speaker of the Lao Parliament, affirmed his nation’s readiness to host the 45th AIPA General Assembly in 2024. Phomvihane acknowledged Indonesia’s successful stewardship of the 44th AIPA session and pledged to build upon this achievement by steering the forthcoming assembly to comparable success.
Maharani expressed optimism about Laos’ forthcoming chairmanship, hoping for an early assembly session before the culmination of the 2024 elections in Indonesia. This strategic timing ensures Indonesia’s active participation in the event and aligns with a seamless transition of governmental leadership.
The collaborative spirit among ASEAN nations, embodied by AIPA, remains a cornerstone for promoting regional harmony, stability, and prosperity.
