SPECIAL SUMMITS AIM TO SUSTAIN ASEAN’S COOPERATION PACE WITH PARTNERS AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Special ASEAN Summit and Special ASEAN+3 Summit have been organized to showcase the spirit of an “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN” and sustain the pace of cooperation between ASEAN with external partners amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its global repercussions.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the above statement on Tuesday right after the conclusion of the two summits initiated by Viet Nam.

The Government chief said the active support and participation of ASEAN member states and China, Japan and the ROK have contributed to the success of the meetings.

The Summits highlighted a common understanding on the importance of solidarity, mutual support and cooperation to triumph over COVID-19, the hazardous invisible enemy that no single country, regardless of its wealth or power, can alone tackle, according to PM Phuc.

“We also shared the view that no one should be complacent at this time of the fight against the virus,” said Phuc adding that the leaders agreed on the people-centered approach that engages all people.

On that basis, various initiatives for cooperation against COVID-19 were put forward, including the establishment of an ASEAN Cooperation Fund and a Regional Medical Supplies Reserve, Phuc said.

Viet Nam has taken note of the experience and best practices from other countries, and shared with the member countries its own  experiences on decisive leadership and our commitment to “fighting the pandemic as if fighting an enemy”, making sure that no one is left behind and everyone is engaged in the combat.

At the Summits, Viet Nam also offered collaboration and assistance to other ASEAN and APT countries via sharing relevant apps, and supplying test kits, PPEs, including coveralls, gloves and masks that are produced with proper standards.

While the global economy is facing uncertainties, the leaders, with the spirit of cautious optimism and confidence in the victory against COVID-19, discussed a Master Plan for post- COVID-19 recovery, in order to restore the confidence of the public and businesses.

The leaders also shared the common goal of defeating COVID-19 by working in close coordination.

Source: VGP