Pioneering for future of inclusive and sustainable ASEAN

The 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-46) took place in a solemn atmosphere, with the thoughtful organization of the host country, Malaysia.

The important event took place at the building formerly known as the Kuala Lumpur Trade Center, later renamed the World Trade Center (WTO), bearing the prominent architectural and commercial symbol of the capital city.

In mid-September, AIPA-46 was not only a gathering place for regional legislators but also a strong affirmation that the National Assembly/Parliamentary bodies represent the will and aspirations of nearly 700 million people and voters of ASEAN who are facing many major challenges such as geopolitical instability, climate change, economic decline, etc.

The core message of AIPA-46 emphasized the pioneering role of elected bodies in policy making, monitoring implementation and representing the voice of the people.

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his opening remarks, clearly stated that AIPA is not only a bridge between the government and the people, but also a driving force for economic solidarity, strengthening ASEAN’s central position in the face of global challenges. He underscored that the spirit of close cooperation between parliaments and governments will make the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 a reality, an inclusive, sustainable, resilient, innovative and people-centered community.

Through discussions, international delegates at forums and meetings called for increased participation of women, youth and vulnerable groups in the legislative process. In the context of a volatile world, many opinions affirmed that ASEAN solidarity must be strengthened through dialogue, not confrontation. AIPA Secretary General Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman emphasized that the parliamentary channel is an irreplaceable bridge between commitment and action, between vision and reality. She called on members to take concrete actions, to make the people’s aspirations the center of policy decisions, to enhance the region’s resilience against unforeseen storms.

The topics of great importance but very practical, encompassing but close to real life demonstrate the leading role and strategic vision of ASEAN parliaments, which are likened to “legal gatekeepers”, each National Assembly/Parliament in each country is the “front line”. That ensures that regional and international agreements are internalised, bringing real benefits to small businesses and disadvantaged communities, so that no one is left behind in the digital revolution or green transformation that has been creating strong changes.

AIPA-46 proved that parliaments are no longer a “rear-based” factor but demonstrate a “pioneering” role in shaping the future. Vietnam and Malaysia have pledged to support each other, join hands to create changes in mechanisms, make breakthrough decisions, and unite with members to turn global instability into internal strength. The common spirit of the leaders was determined to act decisively today, only then will ASEAN be truly “sustainable and inclusive”, contributing to peace and prosperous development.

The heads of delegations and international delegates warmly welcomed the message spread in the speech of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man at AIPA-46; thereby emphasizing that AIPA is a resonant strength, putting commitments into practice and ensuring the voice of the people.

The Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam proposed priority areas, including promoting more effective regional cooperation, AIPA promoting its bridging role, encouraging and facilitating all social classes and actors to participate and actively contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. AIPA needs to continue to take the lead in building institutions and policies to implement regional commitments and agreements, especially in science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation, etc.

“Vietnam is ready to share experiences, enhance dialogue and cooperation at all levels to build an ASEAN Community that is inclusive, sustainable, self-reliant and truly people-centered,” emphasized Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man.

These proposals are truly meaningful and leave a deep impression on Vietnam as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN and AIPA, as well as the 10th anniversary of the formation of the ASEAN Community. Vietnam continues to affirm its pioneering role in sharing experiences from the green growth model, from the 4.0 industrial revolution to social security achievements and in many other fields, according to NDO.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives Johari bin Abdul - President of AIPA-46, and heads of delegations of AIPA member parliaments. (Photo: Pham Thang)

The working trip of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man was very successful, achieving the set goals and leaving a deep impression in all aspects. This official visit to the neighbouring country demonstrates the high political determination of both countries in implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during the State visit to Malaysia by Party General Secretary To Lam in November 2024, thereby emphasizing the increasingly effective and substantive parliamentary cooperation.

In recent days, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s meetings and talks with the highest leaders of the Malaysian legislative and executive bodies and heads of parliamentary delegations of other countries were not only diplomatic rituals, but also had the meaning of establishing a “new bridge” to create momentum for extensive and substantive cooperation, contributing to building a united and self-reliant ASEAN. The impressive highlight is shown through the strategic consensus on strengthening political trust and expanding economic cooperation with Malaysia.

Potential emerging fields such as Halal industry - considered as “new bridge, new driving force”, in addition to leading fields such as renewable energy development, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, are of interest to the leaders of both sides and discussed thoroughly.

During the visit, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, leaders of the National Assembly’s specialized committees, ministries and branches also had many diverse activities, had meetings with heads of parliamentary delegations of other countries, partners to discuss in-depth bilateral cooperation and parliamentary cooperation.

Party official’s visit creates fresh momentum for Vietnam–New Zealand relations

The upcoming official visit to New Zealand by Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and head of the committee’s Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilisation carries very important significance, said Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang.

This will be the first visit by a Politburo member since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February 2025. It comes shortly after the successful official visit to Vietnam by New Zealand Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee in late August.

The September 22-25 visit takes place as both nations are preparing a series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. Giang stressed that it demonstrates the strong political trust between the two sides and their shared commitment to deepening cooperation. New Zealand, he noted, attaches great i-mportance to the visit and will host Nghia as a guest of the Government.

During the trip, Nghia is expected to meet the Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, have working sessions with cabinet ministers in charge of higher education and climate change, and work with the leadership of Victoria University of Wellington and Auckland University of Technology.

While in New Zealand, Nghia will meet with embassy staff, representatives of the Vietnamese community, and students. He will also attend a ceremony marking the 80th National Day of Vietnam, organized by the Vietnamese Embassy.

Giang emphasized that such activities reflect the care of the Party and State for overseas Vietnamese, who are considered an inseparable part of the nation. He said the meetings would help strengthen bonds between Vietnamese living in New Zealand and their homeland, keeping them updated on the country’s development and inspiring them to contribute to national progress.

Education-training has long been a highlight in Vietnam–New Zealand relations. Since 1992, hundreds of Vietnamese officials and students have studied in New Zealand through government scholarships and training programmes. Many have returned home to make important contributions to Vietnam’s development.

Giang said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, established in February 2025, confirms that education will remain a key pillar of cooperation. It also opens new opportunities to expand joint programmes, ranging from academic exchanges to capacity-building and professional training.

As part of the visit, Nghia will work with New Zealand’s Minister for Tertiary Education and leaders of several major universities, including Victoria University of Wellington and Auckland University of Technology. He is also scheduled to meet and encourage Vietnamese students studying at Victoria University, which hosts one of the largest number of Vietnamese students in New Zealand, reported VNA.

Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang. (Photo: VNA)

According to the ambassador, these practical activities will help make educational cooperation deeper and more effective, with diverse forms of collaboration such as joint training programmes, knowledge exchange, and attractive scholarship opportunities. They also align with Vietnam’s new Resolution 71 on breakthroughs in education and training development, issued on August 22, 2025.

Vietnam is currently New Zealand’s 12th largest trading partner. Two-way trade reached 1.3 billion USD in 2024, and in the first half of 2025 alone, it topped 700 million USD, an increase of nearly 19% from the same period last year. New Zealand now has 57 investment projects in Vietnam worth almost 210 million USD, while Vietnamese investors have 12 projects in New Zealand valued at 44 million USD. New Zealand also provides Vietnam with stable official development assistance (ODA).

Cooperation in education, agriculture, and labor has brought encouraging results. Both sides are also stepping up joint work in new areas such as climate change response, energy transition, and defense and security.

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) maintains good relations with both the National Party and the Labor Party of New Zealand, mainly through correspondence and exchanges. Leaders of the two New Zealand parties have also sought meetings with the CPV General Secretary during their visits.

Typhoon Ragasa enters East Sea, northern Vietnam faces widespread heavy rain

Typhoon Ragasa is continuing to strengthen and moving quickly into the East Sea, becoming the ninth storm of the year, and is forecast to directly affect northern Vietnam on September 25-26.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), by 1 p.m. on September 22, the storm’s center was about 120 km north of Luzon Island of the Philippines, moving west-northwest at 15-20 km/h.

At sea, from September 22, the northeastern waters of the East Sea will experience strong winds and waves over 10 meters, with turbulent conditions.

On land, from the afternoon and evening of September 21, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected from Thanh Hoa province to Lam Dong province and the Southeast region, with rainfall of 15–30 mm, locally exceeding 100 mm. On the night of September 21, northern Vietnam will see scattered showers and thunderstorms, with rainfall of 10-30 mm, locally above 70 mm.

From the night of September 22-23, northern Vietnam will continue to experience moderate rain and thunderstorms, with locally heavy to very heavy rainfall, cited VOV.

Typhoon Ragasa intensifies continuously, moving swiftly into the East Sea (Source: NCHMF)

Between September 25-27, the region is at risk of widespread heavy rain, flash floods on small rivers and streams, landslides on slopes, and flooding in low-lying areas. Severe weather such as whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts is also possible during thunderstorms.

From the night of September 22-23, scattered showers and thunderstorms will affect areas from Thanh Hoa to Hue City, with locally heavy rainfall. From September 25-27, these areas are also expected to face widespread heavy rain.

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