Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Laos to ASEAN Ekkaphab Phanthavong (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has played an active role as theChairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2020, especiallyin leading the bloc in implementing the ASEAN’s initiatives and priorities inthe context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador and Permanent Representativeof Laos to ASEAN EkkaphabPhanthavong told Vietnam News Agency’s correspondents in Jakarta.
Vietnamhas assumed its chairmanship actively, particularly the initiative to convenemeetings at all levels, including ASEAN leaders, sectoral ministers, seniorofficials, working groups, as well as ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners via videoconferences, the diplomat said.
Thiscontributes to further strengthen the ASEAN’s efforts and partnership to fullyprepare for the comprehensive prevention and mitigate the impact of thepandemic on the livelihoods of people as well as the economy, including theestablishment of ASEAN Fund for COVID-19 response and reserves of medicalsupplies, he went on.
“Iam strongly confident that Vietnam will continue the momentum and contributesignificantly to achieve goals, initiatives and cooperation in ASEAN andbetween ASEAN and external partners to strengthen a strong ASEAN Community,especially the continuation of consultation and collaboration among theSectoral Bodies of the 3 ASEAN community pillars to realise the implementationof the comprehensive post COVID-19 recovery plan, with emphasis on strategicsectors such as public health, promotion of intra ASEAN trade, digital economy,supply chain and human security.”
Evaluatingthe role and position of Vietnam after 25 years of admission to ASEAN, Ekkaphabsaid Vietnam has actively contributed and encouraged collective efforts ofASEAN in the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015.
Oneof the most outstanding achievements is that Vietnam has contributedsignificantly to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region,particularly Vietnam hosted the summit between the Democratic People’s Republicof Korea (DPRF) and the United States in Hanoi in 2019, he said.
Inaddition, Vietnam has fulfilled its obligations, particularly the successfulchairmanship of ASEAN in 1998 and 2010, and the third chairmanship of ASEAN in2020 under the theme "Cohesive and Responsive" which is consistentwith the current situation, especially ASEAN cooperation in tackling challengesposed by COVID-19.
Vietnamhas also actively encouraged intra-bloc economic cooperation as well asremained a key role player to support the Initiative for ASEAN Integration(IAI) aimed at narrowing development gaps within ASEAN, mainly Cambodia, Laos,Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV) to develop infrastructure, information andtelecommunications, technology, human resources and economic connectivity inthe region, he added./.
VNA
