37th ASEAN Summit and related summits wrap up

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the closing ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit and related Summits, Ha Noi, November 15, 2020. Photo: VGP

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighting that by overcoming physical gap and difference in time zone and format of engagement, the leaders had very effective working days.

Phuc said ASEAN leaders discussed and adopted a wide range of decisive and concrete measures to advance cooperation to respond to and triumph over the adversities facing ASEAN, including the COVID-19 pandemic, maintain the trajectory of cooperation, and chart new overall courses for the ASEAN Community towards greater development, so it would truly become the nucleus of the region, with the people at its heart.

At these Summits, the leaders of the participating countries reached an agreement on various important elements to create a new driver for ASEAN relations with its partners and reaffirm its strong commitment to multilateral cooperation and economic connectivity and liberalization.

“We have shared our respective views on emerging regional and international issues. It is agreed that we must maintain and build upon ASEAN centrality, promote dialogue and cooperation, prevent conflicts, build confidence, and shape a regional architecture that is open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based,” said Phuc.

Regarding the outcomes of these meetings, PM Phuc said during the 37^th ASEAN Summit, the regional leaders adopted the Mid-term Review of the ASEAN Community Blueprints 2025, agreed on the necessity to review the implementation of the ASEAN Charter, and voiced their determination to promote subregional cooperation as an integral part of the ASEAN development process, so that all citizens and all localities are empowered to contribute to the community.

Vietnamese Minister of Trade and Industry Tran Tuan Anh (right) and economic ministers from other ASEAN member States and Australia, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and New Zealand sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement this morning to create the world's biggest trade pact. Photo: VGP

The Summit also adopted the Ha Noi Declaration on the ASEAN Community's post-2025 Vision, with the expectation that this would create a solid foundation for the road ahead of the ASEAN Community.

With a view to an ASEAN Community with a rich identity, the leaders of ASEAN endorsed the flying of the ASEAN flag and the use of the ASEAN anthem in order to bring the image of ASEAN closer to the people and the public.

On this occasion, the leaders adopted the Narrative of ASEAN Identity and the Ha Noi Declaration on Strengthening Social Work towards Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community.

The first-ever ASEAN Women Leaders' Summit was also held, providing a valuable opportunity for ASEAN women to make contributions to the efforts for sustainable development and growth in the region.

PM Phuc said many ASEAN initiatives on cooperation in response to COVID-19 and other risks of epidemics have been announced and under way, such as the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies, and the ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.

ASEAN also adopted the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and its Implementation Plan, designed for cohesion across the three Community pillars, which is expected to assist the people and businesses to overcome the impacts of the pandemic and restore economic and social stability in our countries.

In an ongoing effort to expand and deepen relations with its partners, ASEAN agreed to expand the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation to include Cuba, Colombia and South Africa, bringing the total signatories to 43.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hands over the symbolic chairman's gavel to Brunei's Ambassador to Viet Nam. Photo: VGP

The 15^th EAS also adopted important Declarations, including the Declaration on the 15^th Anniversary of EAS and the Declaration of APT Leaders on Strengthening Economic and Financial Resilience in the Face of Emerging Challenges.

The aforesaid documents once again demonstrate the role and strength of APT as a framework in preventing and addressing risks of economic and financial crisis in the region, Phuc emphasized.

Particularly, the conclusion of negotiation and official signing of the RCEP between ASEAN and its partners is a  “very admirable  expression” of the strong commitment and determination of the countries in the region in promoting economic liberalization and connectivity, Phuc stressed.

PM Phuc took the occasion to express his heartfelt gratitude to the ASEAN members and partners, international organizations, and other friends of ASEAN, for their keen support and close cooperation with Viet Nam in our term as the 2020 ASEAN Chair.

He also appreciated tireless efforts and contributions by both the ASEAN specialized bodies across the three pillars and at all levels and the ASEAN Secretariat, adding that their joint efforts have made possible the laudable outcomes of ASEAN in this year of great adversities.

PM Phuc affirmed that Viet Nam is fully confident that Brunei Darussalam, as the next ASEAN chair, will continue to lead ASEAN onwards and forge an ASEAN Community endowed with a vision for broad connectivity, active adaptability, comprehensive recovery, and sustainable development.

At the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc handed over ASEAN Chair to Brunei Darussalam.

Brunei Darussalam will assume the role in 2021 under the theme "We care, we prepare, we prosper"./.

By Quang Minh