ASEAN leaders release a Chairman's Statement at the end of their meeting on April 24, 2021. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

The ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting took place amid new and very serious COVID-19 outbreaks in many regional countries. Meeting face-to-face shows ASEAN leaders’ determination to overcome difficulties and strengthen cooperation to deal with urgent, emerging problems of ASEAN.

Initiatives for regional development

At the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh introduced Vietnam’s initiatives and proposals to resolve rising challenges in the region.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung said, "The Vietnamese PM attended the meeting less than 20 days after he took office, which demonstrated Vietnam’s active sense of responsibility for regional issues."

"With its stature in ASEAN, especially after serving as Chair in 2020 and now the only ASEAN member in the United Nations Security Council and Council President for April, Vietnam’s participation and contributions were highly anticipated by the international community."

At the meeting, Prime Minister Chinh shared Vietnam’s internationally-acclaimed experience in fighting COVID-19 and introduced several initiatives including vaccine supply, establishment of an ASEAN Regional Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases, and economic recovery and development during and after the pandemic.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reiterates Vietnam's support for Brunei's ASEAN Chairmanship for 2021. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

The Prime Minister said ASEAN needs to strengthen partnership, maintain ASEAN’s shared stance on the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue while ensuring peace, stability, and compliance with international law.

With regard to Myanmar, Prime Minister Chinh said it’s important to respect the ASEAN Charter and the principle of not intervening in other states’ internal affairs, but noted that in the spirit of solidarity, ASEAN cannot neglect issues affecting the region’s stability and development. He urged the ASEAN Community to share and help find a prompt solution to stabilize the situation in Myanmar.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung said, "In regard to the situation in Myanmar, Vietnam stresses the importance of protecting people’s lives and calls for restraint. ASEAN should play a mediation role, send a representative to Myanmar to meet with parties, introduce proposals, and continue to help the local people."

The Chairman’s Statement shows that Vietnam’s proposals received support from other countries.  

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarter in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

Bilateral ties strengthened

On the sidelines of the meeting, Prime Minister Chinh held bilateral meetings with ASEAN leaders and heads of many delegations where he introduced several solutions to strategic issues.

Prime Minister Chinh agreed with leaders Indonesia and Malaysia to raise bilateral trade to 10 billion USD and 15 billion USD respectively.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister linked the post-pandemic economic recovery and development to the resumption of flights, elimination of trade barriers, expansion of investment, maritime cooperation, and strengthened law enforcement at sea.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung said, "The Prime Minister’s bilateral meetings focused on issues of mutual concern and ways to boost bilateral cooperation and address difficulties. The leaders pledged to work closely to boost cooperation in all fields."

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance at the meeting demonstrated the importance to Vietnam of strengthening solidarity, consensus, and support between ASEAN countries and expanding ASEAN’s central role in addressing challenges and protecting core, strategic interests. It also showed Vietnam’s determination to continue renewal and international integration, participate responsibly in international issues and enhance ties with other countries.