Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc waves at other leaders at the teleconferenced 36th ASEAN Summit on June 26 (Photo: VNA)Singapore (VNA) – The impressive settlement of theCOVID-19 pandemic and the relatively early re-opening of its economy have givenVietnam the ability to assist other countries, including ASEAN members, saidAssistant Director (ASEAN) at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs JessicaWau.
She told the Vietnam News Agency on June 26 that if it isnot hit by a second wave of COVID-19, Vietnam will have favourable conditionsto further enhance the strong cooperation within ASEAN in coping with thepandemic via meaningful dialogue and prioritisation of immediate needs in theregion.
With regard to the 36th ASEAN Summit chaired byVietnam on June 26, the expert said this event had previously been delayed dueto COVID-19, so a teleconference was the best solution in the current context.
The online summit demonstrated the commitments to regulardialogue in ASEAN, Jessica Wau said, noting that during the COVID-19 responseand post-pandemic economic recovery process, discussions are more importantthan ever as they will help ASEAN countries get the latest updates andcoordinate to devise common solutions.
To help recover after the outbreak, the bloc’s members shouldnot neglect ASEAN integration or the establishment of safe tourist corridors,especially for business purposes, she recommended./.
VNA
