PM calls for measures to enhance ASEAN’s cooperation and central role

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the plenary session of the 36th ASEAN Summit, Ha Noi, June 26, 2020 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

Those orientations should touch upon the implementation of ASEAN’s priorities in 2020, the response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the bloc’s post-pandemic socio-economic recovery, he said.

This is the first time in more than 50 years that a ASEAN Summit has been held in form of teleconference. 

PM Phuc hailed the virtual meeting as an occasion for ASEAN to demonstrate its strong commitment to continue strengthening cooperation to push back the challenges posed by the disease and maintain ASEAN’s cooperation and connection momentum.

He suggested participants discuss ways to enhance ASEAN’s central role in the region and accelerate the bloc’s relations with partners for pace, sustainable development, and effective response to emerging challenges.

Photo: VGP

In addition, regional and international issues of shared concern are also among the major contents that should be discussed at the plenary session, according to the Vietnamese leader.

“I look forward to the valuable ideas from all of you, which will outline appropriate development orientation for ASEAN in the near future, towards continuing to effectively implement the goals set in the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and strengthen ASEAN’s role and international position in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

After PM Phuc’s remarks, ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi reported on the bloc’s cooperation in the first six months of 2020. Then, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who heads the ASEAN Coordinating Council, gave a presentation on ASEAN cooperation in response to COVID-19, followed by speeches of the ASEAN leaders./.

By Vien Nhu