​His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, today officiated the opening of the 42nd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) hosted by the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam. The opening was held virtually via video conference.

During the opening, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivered a titah which, among others, highlighted AIPA and ASEAN's stronger collaboration towards a more integrated and successful regional community.

In-line with the theme of the ASEAN Chair for the year 2021 "We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper", His Majesty stated that ASEAN has continued to respond rapidly in providing care for its people, and preparing its community towards development.

His Majesty added that the 42nd AIPA General Assembly theme "Forging Parliamentary Cooperation in Digital lnclusion towards ASEAN Community 2025", reasserts AIPA's commitment in building ASEAN as a leading digital community and economy bloc. Through AIPA, harmonising regulations as well as standardising policies and appropriate legislations across ASEAN can be promoted.

In that regard, His Majesty urged parliamentarians to uphold AIPA as the key organisation and platform that enhances multilateral cooperation, as well as to promote better understanding and widen cooperation with AIPA Observer countries to ensure peaceful, harmonious and prosperous communities in their respective regions.

His Majesty also stated that, during this difficult time, AIPA and ASEAN should continue to collectively address issues of common concern as well as regional and global challenges.

(News source: Prime Minister's Office, Photo source: Info Dept)