On the occasion, Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper would like to introduce to readers some opinions shared by foreign diplomats on the efforts of Vietnam and ASEAN countries in promoting solidarity and cooperation both inside and outside the bloc, and together responding to common global challenges.
Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio: Italy-ASEAN partnership helps both sides overcome the pandemic
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Last September, the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting officially granted Italy status as an ASEAN development partner. It is a significant achievement for Italy’s foreign policy in Asia, paving the way for closer cooperation between the European and ASEAN countries.
Italy and ASEAN countries are engaged in upholding common values and the principles of independence and shared prosperity. As both sides believe in the virtues of cooperation, I am confident in the prospect for our new partnership to deliver positive, sustainable, and long-term returns, including in the fight against COVID-19.
From the very beginning, the whole ASEAN community expressed solidarity with Italy at the peak of its emergency from March to May this year. As the epidemic turned to a pandemic, all our governments committed to join international efforts to counter it. Italy has been proactive and vocal in promoting the establishment of an international alliance for the vaccine against COVID-19.
We need to accelerate scientific research on safe vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, and we must ensure their universal distribution. Italy counts on ASEAN support in order to achieve successful outcomes and get the global economy back on track soon.
I have no doubt that our partnership will help us overcome the economic and social impact of the pandemic as well. It will benefit our companies, fostering international trade and investment. It will contribute to rebuilding global supply chains and to creating more opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises within them.
We also have to strengthen cooperation between the EU and ASEAN, being both highly integrated, innovative, and dynamic regional blocs. Only by sticking together can we overcome global challenges. The new development partnership between Italy and ASEAN is definitely a forward step in the right direction.
Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Catherine Wong Siow Ping: Strengthen the unity among ASEAN
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Vietnam has admirably assumed the role of ASEAN Chair in 2020, performing its leading role in ASEAN in the context of many difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although the pandemic has disrupted face-to-face meetings, Vietnam has successfully organised many important events, contributing to make recommendations for collective actions. Vietnam has also exerted efforts to strengthen ASEAN cohesion by promoting the building of ASEAN Community. This will help us better recover and prepare for future challenges.
As an active member of ASEAN, Singapore supports Vietnam's role as ASEAN Chair in 2020. Singapore has contributed to ASEAN's joint efforts toward post-pandemic recovery. Singapore has also invested in the research and development of vaccines and treatment methods and is willing to share with ASEAN.
Singapore works with Vietnam in a joint effort to build the ASEAN Community while strongly supporting agreements on upholding the open and rules-based multilateral trading system.
The 37th ASEAN Summit and related meetings provide an opportunity for ASEAN member countries to continue moving forward and making efforts to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic while making concrete progresses on other important initiatives.
This high-level meeting has the participation of ASEAN's dialogue partners. It is time to advance ASEAN initiatives and promote these partners’ engagement with the region. This will also deliver a message about strengthening unity and central role of ASEAN, while fostering trust in the stability and integration of the regional economy.
Japanese ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio: Japan support ASEAN’s central role
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Vietnam is one of the few countries that has succeeded in both effectively containing the COVID-19 pandemic and reviving its economy. Vietnam's efforts have been highly appreciated by the international community.
We hope that, as ASEAN Chair in 2020, Vietnam will promote its achievements and experience and take the lead in the joint efforts to address challenges facing the region, including the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
On the occasion of the 37th ASEAN Summit, Japan once again affirm its support for ASEAN's central role in regional cooperation. We fully support ASEAN's Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and look forward to promoting practical cooperation with ASEAN following the AOIP. Japan will also continue to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, the ASEAN Chair in 2020.
During his recent visit to Vietnam in October, Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide affirmed that the potential for developing Vietnam-Japan relations is unlimited. The Prime Minister also suggested to strengthen links between Japan and ASEAN through improving supply chain, developing infrastructure, digital connectivity and human resource training.
Amid the diversification of the supply chain in the post-COVID-19, Vietnam is becoming an attractive destination for Japanese investors. We will foster further development of the bilateral relationship.
