Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang talks to the press on October 15, 2020 (Photo: Lam Khanh/ VNA)

As this year’s ASEAN Chair, Vietnam is working with other ASEAN countries to prepare for this important event, spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said.

Asked about the US, Japan, India, and Australia wanting to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries to ensure freedom of navigation, Hang said ASEAN always welcomes initiatives and ideas that contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. She noted that Vietnam considers building a cohesive and responsive ASEAN its main task. To that end, Vietnam has been stepping up community building, affirming ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture, and expanding the bloc’s external relations.

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing long-term and profound socio-economic damage around the world, Vietnam is ready to work with ASEAN and partner countries to revive the economy and stabilize people’s lives for an Asia-Pacific region of peace, stability, development, and prosperity, Hang said.