DILI, 10 october 2024 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão represented Timor-Leste to participate in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, in Vientienne, the capital of Lao PDR.
“It is an honor to participate in this important interface with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly,” said Prime Minister Gusmão at the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, on wednesday.
Timor-Leste has been an observer at the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly since 2018 in Singapore.
“We have witnessed the Assembly encourage dialogue, cooperation, and understanding among member parliaments. We also commend the Assembly’s work in helping to harmonize and strengthen legislative frameworks to align with ASEAN standards and practices,” said Prime Minister.
Since becoming a member of AIPA, Timor-Leste has seen how the Assembly’s recommendations help national parliaments translate regional priorities into national laws and policies.
Gusmão said that Timor-Leste’s National Parliament is supporting regional agreements: “We have established an ad-hoc committee tasked with ratifying ASEAN agreements and protocols, enacting relevant legislation, monitoring the implementation of these agreements, and representing the interests of the Timorese people in regional forums,” said the Head of Government.
By actively participating in AIPA activities, Timor-Leste has gained insights and learned good practices that will further strengthen the legislative processes and governance structures.
Gusmão ended his speech by reaffirming Timor-Leste’s commitment to completing Timor-Leste’s internal processes for acceding to the priority agreements across the three ASEAN Community pillars by next year.
“We look forward to continue collaboration with ASEAN Members of Parliament and development partners as we work towards our full membership of ASEAN,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins