Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (forth from right) poses for a photo with ASEAN leaders (Photo: Thong Nhat/ VNA)

The event took place on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB). Mr. Phuc urged the IMF and WB to cooperate with and advise ASEAN countries in building a regional macroeconomic risk warning mechanism: “We need to implement recommendations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the 2030 UN Agenda on Sustainable Development. These include improving self-reliance; developing infrastructure, and sustainable production and consumption; reducing poverty; and sustainably managing natural resources”.

While meeting Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, Mr. Phuc discussed bilateral collaboration in national defence, security, economy, trade, education, energy, and maritime issues. The two agreed to work closely to promote cooperation mechanisms like the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation and the Joint Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs Cooperation. They noted the importance of closer cooperation in maritime affairs and creating conditions for fishermen to operate legally, safely, and sustainably.

Mr. Phuc also met with the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani; the leader of PT Nikko Sekuritas Indonesia and Director of the Ciputra Group, Budiarsa Sastrawinata; and the President of the Indonesia-Vietnam Friendship Association.