Vietnam pledges contributions to regional efforts in COVID-19 fight

As chair of the event, PM Phuc suggested an overall and concerted approach to contain the pandemic with the participation of the “entire Community”, in addition to promoting comprehensive recovery.

ASEAN should strive to maintain its current co-operation momentum and regional connectivity, fully implement targets set as part of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 in line with the roadmap, and step up development orientations for the grouping in the new period, the Government leader said.

Simultaneously, the bloc must create new impetus in order to improve its competitiveness in the post-pandemic world, optimise co-operation opportunities, apply cutting-edge technologies and sciences, whilst improving its digital transformation capacity. This should be done alongside developing high-quality human resources to establish its new position amid the global and supply chain.

As a means of coping with the severe challenges caused by the pandemic and natural disasters, along with maintaining equal and sustainable development goals, PM Phuc called on ASEAN to redouble efforts to narrow the development gap and enhance connectivity. Efforts include building development links with sub-regions such as the Mekong to ensure that no regions are left behind.

Emphasizing the significance of protecting regional identities, image, and values of the ASEAN Community, the PM supports the use of the ASEAN flag and anthem, adding that the flag will be flown at the headquarters of Vietnamese Government offices from the beginning of 2021.

He also proposed the bloc continues its centrality in dialogue and co-operation as it builds up trust in the region, makes greater efforts to shape an open, transparent, rules-based regional architecture, pushes ahead with the formation and sharing of codes of conduct, and respects law.

The Vietnamese cabinet chief also highlighted the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and the statement issued by ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the 53rd anniversary of the group, describing it as the foundation for the bloc to promote a region of peace, security, neutrality, and stability, along with promoting values towards regional peace in line with international law.

With regard to the East Sea, PM Phuc reiterated the country’s stance, in accordance with ASEAN’s common perception on efforts and resolve to turn it into an area of peace, stability, security, safety, and development.

All countries must comply with law, follow the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) a framework for all activities at sea. Freedom of navigation and aviation should be respected, whilst efforts should be made to step up trust building, exercise self-restraint, take no actions that could further complicate the situation, not to militarise, and address disputes and differences in accordance with international law, he stressed.

In this spirit, the serious and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the building of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) is an effective and efficient manner that is in line with international law, with the 1982 UNCLOS being of special significance, the PM said.

During the course of the summit, ASEAN leaders praised the nation’s role as ASEAN Chair 2020 for co-ordinating and leading the bloc to maintain co-operation momentum and building upon its three pillars, whilst also boosting co-operation in containing and dealing with consequences of COVID-19.

In an effort to cope with the pandemic, the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and its implementation plan was approved, in addition to the ASEAN declaration on the travel corridor, and the Strategic Framework for Public Health Emergencies.

They officially announced the establishment of the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, therefore consenting to accelerate the operation of the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund and establishing the ASEAN Regional Centre on Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.

At the conclusion of the occasion, ASEAN leaders ratified a number of important documents proposed by Vietnam in its role as ASEAN Chair 2020. These are supported by other ASEAN member countries and partners, such as the Hanoi declaration on the ASEAN Community Vision Post 2025, and the Hanoi declaration to promote social work towards a cohesive and responsive ASEAN community.