The Republic of Korea presents the 5 million USD project to ASEAN (Source: ASEAN Secretariat)

Addressing the event, Secretary-General of ASEAN Lim Jock Hoi said the program will set an example for further cooperation between ASEAN and the RoK in response to infectious diseases and will bring the health ministries and disease control centres of ASEAN and the RoK together for further cooperation.

“Since the onset of the outbreak of Covid-19, the vast cooperation has been ongoing within ASEAN and its external partners, including South Korea. The cooperation between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic has been sustained at the national level as well as regional level in the health and other relevant sectors."

Furthermore, coordination and collaboration efforts in meeting the impact of the pandemic, particularly the public health at all levels being enhanced. The donation of free medical supplies and equipment will further strengthen the testing capacity of ASEAN member states. The commitments of leaders of ASEAN and ASEAN+3 countries are not only realized at the political level but also to the well being of each community in our region," Lim Jock Hoi said.
Ambassador Tran Duc Binh, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to ASEAN, said that the RoK's donation of test kits and protective equipment to ASEAN members will help curb the spread of the virus. He said that as chair of ASEAN in 2020, Vietnam will endeavor to implement ASEAN Plus Three agreements as stated in their Joint Statement. 

Under the 5 million USD program, equipment, test kits, and personal protective equipment will be delivered to each ASEAN member in late June or early July.