Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on March 27 had second phone talks with foreign ministry leaders of the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), India, Australia and New Zealand to get updates on the COVID-19 situation and strong measures against the pandemic.

Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirms the Vietnamese
Government’s determination to give top priority to epidemic prevention and control

During the phone conversation, Deputy FM Son affirmed the Vietnamese Government’s top priority given to epidemic prevention and control, saying that Vietnam has initially developed a standard treatment regime for infected patients.

A range of measures Vietnam has been applying such as entry suspension for foreign nationals, social distancing, concentrated or self-quarantine, a halt to business activities and throngs of people such as bar clubs and restaurants, Son said.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s attendance at the G20 leaders’ video conference in the capacity as ASEAN Chair 2020 has shown ASEAN and Vietnam’s responsibility and contributions to the international community’s combined efforts against the pandemic.

Vietnam is working hand in hand with ASEAN member states to promote the regional bloc’s preparedness and responsiveness in the fight, he said.
Son also suggested maintaining aviation transportation at a minimum to satisfy the demand for both travel and epidemic prevention, while urging countries to reciprocally facilitate citizen protection work.

US Department of State official said the US Government is carrying out all possible measures to cope with the epidemic, including deploying the large number of health workers to serve the community, giving an economic rescue package worth more than US$2 trillion and an international support package worth US$270 million.

The US proposed building cooperation mechanisms with countries, he said, adding that his nation will soon be able to produce medical equipment to meet both domestic demand and support other countries.

Countries should maintain information sharing and share experience in the combat, underlining the need to ensure the provision of accurate information in the epidemic fight. He also touched upon the global economic recovery issues once the epidemic is repelled, the official said.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Australia maintains routes used for humanitarian purposes such as carrying medical equipment. It also launched assistance programmes at international organisations.

The country is set to increase the capacity of producing medical equipment to meet domestic demand and support those in need, stated the department’s official.

According to the official of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Government has decided to place the entire country on lockdown and launch an aid package worth over US$22 billion for those affected by the decision.

India is cooperating with several countries in equipment provision to produce test kits, he added.

The Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister said his nation is working closely with countries to intensify cross-border travel control, adding that that the country is doing research on medicines and vaccine for the COVID-19 combat. Japan also has come up with an aid scheme worth US$140 million to help developing nations, he said.

The New Zealand Deputy Foreign Minister said the country is focusing on ensuring the supply of medical equipment, studying financial support packages and imposing travel restrictions.

The RoK Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs touched upon measures that are being taken such as imposing a ban on international flights, social distancing while ensuring production activities.

He suggested that countries should consider cooperation in the form of exchanging medical experts.

Concluding their talks, all the diplomats asserted that their countries will pool all resources, and take proper measures while calling for closer cooperation and more international aid for the COVID-19 fight.