Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh attends the virtual conference of the Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – International and regional cooperation is more importantthan ever before for the world to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, Deputy PrimeMinister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said on September 3 when attendinga virtual conference of the Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers.
Minh spoke highly of G20 countries’ efforts and contributions to the battleagainst the pandemic, and thanked them for supporting Vietnam to response tothe outbreak and bring its citizens home safely.
Vietnam, in its role as the Chair of ASEAN in 2020, has worked closely withinternational partners to maintain cooperative activities, as well as proposedmany initiatives to promote joint work in fighting the pandemic and recoveringthe economy, Minh said.
Sharing ASEAN and Vietnam’s experience in the prevention and control of thecoronavirus epidemic, he laid stress on enhancing border management based on thepremise of ensuring epidemic prevention and facilitating cross-border trade,investment and travel at the same time.
Minh expressed his hope that the G20 members will join hands with internationalorganisations and other countries to form a set of principles on cross-border managementand international travel facilitation.
All parties should share information and experience in ensuring health safetyat border gates, apply technologies in detecting and tracing COVID-19 cases,while working together in vaccine development at rational costs, he added.
At the event, leaders of major international organisations and foreign ministersof G20 countries and invited countries reiterated the commitment to internationalcollaboration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic so as to lessen its impacts onthe economy and support post-pandemic recovery. They said they will promotejoint cooperation frameworks to enhance preparedness and response capacity forfuture medical crises.
The special G20 foreign ministers’ conference took place amid the complexdevelopment of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world. It drew the participation offoreign ministers of G20 members and guest countries, along with leaders ofinternational organisations such as the UN, WHO, WB and OECD.
Vietnamwas invited to attend the event in its capacity as Chair of ASEAN in 2020./.
VNA
