Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (AFP/VNA)KualaLumpur (VNA) - Malaysia firmly believes that the ASEAN continuesto play a critical role in addressing challenges brought by the pandemicthrough the implementation of the many initiatives discussed through thevarious ASEAN-led mechanisms, the Malaysian News Agency (Bernama) reported.
Malaysia’sPrime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, in his intervention at the 37th ASEAN Summit plenary session held virtually on November 12 by host Vietnam,said it is important to ensure ASEAN’s initiatives serve as a platform forASEAN to work collectively with external partners and other competent partiesin alleviating and countering the impacts of COVID-19 in the region.
TheMalaysian leader stressed that this is especially true when it comes to thedevelopment and access to COVID-19 vaccine. According to the leader, ASEAN mustwork hand-in-hand with relevant international organisations such as the WorldHealth Organisation and countries to ensure the vaccine, once available, isaffordable, accessible and equitably shared by all.
Healso noted that it is imperative now for ASEAN, a regional bloc comprisingmainly developing states, to focus on the ASEAN Comprehensive RecoveryFramework (ACRF). ACRF is one of the three official documents that will bereleased at this summit.
ThePM went on to say that ASEAN should strategise its approach in reviving theeconomy, trade and investment by embracing the new norm of conducting itseconomic engagement including through technology such as digital platforms.
Inregard to the recent disruption of the global supply chain caused by COVID-19,Prime Minister Muhyiddin said as a region blessed with rich natural resources,it is time for ASEAN to look into possible ways to strengthen food security inthe region, and seize opportunity to fortify the agro-foundation in the region./.
VNA
