Vietnam has played an active role as the ASEAN Chair 2020, especially in leading the regional bloc in carrying out the ASEAN’s initiatives and priorities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Laos to ASEAN Ekkaphab Phanthavong
(Photo:VNA) 

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Laos to ASEAN Ekkaphab Phanthavong made the statement in reply to the media in Jakarta.

Vietnam has undertaken its chairmanship actively, particularly the initiative to hold an array of meetings at all levels, including ASEAN leaders, sectoral ministers, senior officials, working groups, as well as ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners via video conferences, the diplomat said.

This contributes to further stepping up the ASEAN’s efforts and partnership to fully prepare for the comprehensive prevention and mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the livelihoods of people as well as the economy, including the establishment of ASEAN Fund for COVID-19 response and reserves of medical supplies, he said.

He expressed the confidence that Vietnam will continue the momentum and contribute significantly to achieve goals, initiatives and cooperation in ASEAN and between ASEAN and external partners to promote a strong ASEAN Community, especially the continuation of consultation and collaboration among the Sectoral Bodies of the 3 ASEAN community pillars to accelerate the implementation of the comprehensive post COVID-19 recovery plan, with emphasis on strategic sectors such as public health, promotion of intra ASEAN trade, digital economy, supply chain and human security

Regarding the role and position of Vietnam after 25 years of admission to ASEAN, Ekkaphab said Vietnam has made positive contributions to and encouraged collective efforts of ASEAN in establishing the ASEAN Community in 2015.

Vietnam has contributed remarkably to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, particularly Vietnam hosted the summit between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States in Hanoi in 2019, he said.

Additionally, Vietnam has fulfilled its obligations, particularly the successful chairmanship of ASEAN in 1998 and 2010, and the third chairmanship of ASEAN in 2020 under the theme "Cohesive and Responsive" which is consistent with the current situation, especially ASEAN cooperation in dealing with challenges posed by COVID-19.

Vietnam has also stayed active in calling for intra-bloc economic cooperation and remained a key role player to support the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) aimed at narrowing development gaps within ASEAN, mainly Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) toward developing infrastructure, information and telecommunications, technology, human resources and economic connectivity in the region, the Ambassador said.