ASEAN leaders gather for special high-level video conference on COVID-19 response

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired the ASEAN Special High-level Video Conference on Responding to COVID-19

This morning, the ASEAN Special High-level Video Conference on Responding to COVID-19 took place with the attendance of leaders of 10 ASEAN member states. As ASEAN Chair, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired the conference.

The conference demonstrated the highest level of political commitment to solidarity and co-operation within the bloc as well as with partners amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The leaders assessed that the ASEAN's joint efforts have yielded encouraging results with declining and slow growth of infection cases compared to the global rate.

Affirming that the region’s current top priority is to control and prevent the spread of disease, especially cross-border infection, the leaders also said that the ASEAN should implement measures minimising the disease’s socio-economic impacts.

Besides, countries need to co-ordinate in protecting their rcitizens, providing social security services, support packages, and maintaining supply chains to protect citizens and support small- and medium-sized businesses. The leaders also discussed building a post-epidemic economic recovery plan, including strengthening intra-ASEAN trade, promoting ongoing negotiations on economic co-operation agreements, implementing economic stimulus measures, and improving the ability to cope with external shocks.

Addressing the conference, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highly appreciated ASEAN member states’ efforts in responding to the pandemic from the first days. The PM welcomed the countries that supported Vietnam's proposals, including the establishment of the ASEAN COVID-19 Collaboration Response Fund, setting up a reserve for medical supplies to meet urgent needs during epidemics and initiatives to stage online drills for the National Defense on Emergency Epidemic Response, developing a common ASEAN emergency response protocol for future epidemic outbreaks, and setting up a Task Force of senior ASEAN information officials against fake news.

PM Phuc also affirmed that Vietnam would continue to support countries suffering from epidemics, maintain normal economic activities, and provide basic necessities, including food, at the request of other countries. He emphasised that the ASEAN needs to co-ordinate to ensure safety and support citizens affected by the epidemic.

At the conclusion of the conference, the leaders adopted the Declaration of the ASEAN Special High-level Video Conference on Responding to COVID-19 Disease.

This afternoon, the Special ASEAN + 3 Online Summit on COVID-19 disease will be held.