Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh chaired the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Photo: VNA)

Mr. Igor Driesmans spoke highly of Vietnam’s focus on a cohesive and responsive ASEAN, saying it is the most suitable in the context of great impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy. Mr. Igor said as the ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam upheld ASEAN's solidarity, cooperation and responsibility for the world community right on the onset of the epidemic. Under Vietnam’s leadership, ASEAN has shown its willingness for cooperation to seek for measures to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic which was clearly seen at the Special ASEAN Summit on COVID-19 in April.

Ambassador Igor said Vietnam has affirmed the ASEAN's central role and solidarity by maintaining the frequent and practical engagement between ASEAN and its partners since the pandemic occured. Igor said in the coming time, the EU-ASEAN relations will surely benefit from any effort made during this difficult year, thus enabling the two sides to further promote their strategic partnership.

Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Thongphane Savanphet, who is also head of the SOM ASEAN of Laos, spoke highly of Vietnam’s successful organization of the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings. He said Vietnam not only successfully organized all the events but also managed to finish the discussions and exchanges of documents as planned during the COVID-19 pandemic.