Singapore (VNA) – Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong made the statement at the 29th AIPA General Assembly which opened in Singapore on August 20.

“Integration and regional linkage is the path for development which requires contribution and close cooperation by law making and enforcement bodies as well as the people,” she said.

The legislator expressed her pleasure at the enhanced solidarity, friendship and multifaceted cooperation among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries, which, she said, were vividly reflected in the signing of the ASEAN Charter late last year.

She also said in conjunction with efforts made by the governments, the parliaments of ASEAN member countries have made important contributions to regional linkage process.

To better its role, the senior official said, AIPA should further perfect its operation mechanisms and structure, including improving the efficiency of its Secretariat.

Phong is leading a Vietnamese delegation to the AIPA meeting, which is being attended by eight member countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and the host – Singapore.

Representatives from Brunei and Myanmar are attending the event as special observers while those from Canada, Russia, China, the Republic of Korea, Papua New Guinea and the European Union as observers.

VN active in regional inter-parliamentary activities