Gov't chief inspects preparations for 36th ASEAN Summit

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc inspects preparations for the 36th ASEAN Summit at the International Convention Centre yesterday. During the summit, leaders of 10 ASEAN member countries are expected to focus on the development of the ASEAN Community in the immediate future and measures to address the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in the region. The leaders will propose measures to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and its partners in the time to come. VNA/VNS Thang Nhat

The Government chief spoke highly of the efforts made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and competent agencies in preparing for the Summit, from technical to security matters.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has been brought under control, the plenary session is expected to draw the participation of 300 local and foreign guests and more than 200 reporters have registered to cover the Summit.

PM Phuc asked for ensuring quality of the agenda and discussion contents that must encompass regional issues of common concerns, accelerate the bloc's cooperation and resilience amid challenges.

During the summit, leaders of 10 ASEAN member countries are expected to focus on the development of the ASEAN Community in the immediate future and measures to address the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in the region, according to Deputy Foreign Minister and head of the SOM Việt Nam Nguyen Quoc Dung.

At the plenary session, the leaders will hear reports and give opinions on cooperation among ASEAN member nations in the three pillars of the ASEAN Community - political security, economics, and socio-cultural issues.

The leaders will propose measures to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and its partners in the time to come.

They are also expected to compare notes on regional and international issues of common concern, with a focus on how to effectively deal with the COVID-19 pandemic while promptly recovering socio-economic development in the region at the same time.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dung said ASEAN leaders will hold dialogues with representatives from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) on coordination between the two organizations in building a people-oriented ASEAN Community.

Dialogues between ASEAN leaders and ASEAN Youth and representatives from the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-ABAC) will be arranged within the framework of the Summit.

In particular, the ASEAN Leaders' Special Session on Women's Empowerment in the Digital Age, initiated by Việt Nam, will also be organised as part of celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the approval of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for advancing women's rights.

The initiative reflects ASEAN leaders' commitment to promoting gender equality and enhancing the role of women in building the ASEAN Community, said Dung.