Amid complicated developments of the pandemic, ASEAN member countries all emphasised the urgency of strengthening disease control measures and ensuring vaccine supply.
At the 36th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN leaders established the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund to provide financial support to member countries. To date, the total contributions committed to the fund have reached more than US$20.8 million.
The ASEAN Secretariat is finalising the final terms of an agreement with the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to use US$10.5 million from UNICEF to buy vaccines for ASEAN member countries.
In order to reduce the impact of the pandemic and promote recovery in ASEAN, the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and implementation plans were adopted at the 37th ASEAN Summit.
Accordingly, ASEAN will focus on implementing initiatives and specific measures in three main phases including reopening, recovery and self-reliance. As of June 2021, 28 initiatives have been completed, 73 are under review, and 68 are being implemented.
ASEAN also issued a Declaration on the establishment of an ASEAN Travel Corridor in order to facilitate travel within the bloc, ensure compliance with health regulations in the region and each member country, and support economic recovery after the pandemic.
ASEAN has so far agreed on a number of contents on travel regulations, health safety and pandemic prevention. In addition, the Association also established the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases to enhance capacity and preparedness.
Regarding external relations, ASEAN continues to promote cooperation with established partners while boosting relations with new partners and parties who wish to become partners of the Association.
ASEAN is actively considering the proposals of China and Australia on upgrading the relationship between these two countries with the Association to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
ASEAN also agreed to hold the ASEAN-G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in December this year. In addition, ASEAN encourages partners to support member countries to control and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and to cooperate in solving common challenges.
In the context of complicated regional and international developments, ASEAN continues to affirm its common voice, foster dialogue and cooperation, promote the central role of the association, and actively contribute to peace, stability and development.
Under the leadership of Vietnam during the 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “Cohesion and proactive adaptation”, ASEAN maintained dialogue, cooperation, and timely and effective response to unprecedented challenges.
As an active and responsible member, Vietnam supports Brunei, the 2021 ASEAN Chair, promoting solidarity and resilience of the association, effectively implementing the priorities set out this year, and helping member countries to overcome the pandemic, build a strong community and strengthen the central role of ASEAN.
