Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of ASEAN 2020, delivers a closing speech of the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. (Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu)

Addressing the closing ceremony of the summits in Hanoi on Sunday, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the meetings coincide with many challenges.

According to Mr. Phuc, ASEAN leaders have adopted solutions and set directions for the ASEAN community, adding, “We have agreed on many issues, which will create momentum in the relations between ASEAN and its partners.”

“We share a strong commitment to multilateral cooperation and economic liberalization, and agree that ASEAN's central role should continue to be maintained and promoted and dialogues and cooperation should be expanded to prevent conflicts, foster trust, and build an open, transparent, inclusive, and rule-based regional architecture,” said Mr. Phuc.

He underscored the importance of the Regional Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (RCEP), which includes the ten ASEAN members plus China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

At a ceremony to transfer the ASEAN Chairmanship to Brunei, Prime Minister Phuc said he believes that Brunei as ASEAN Chair 2021 will continue to unite the bloc.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc hands over the ASEAN chairmanship hammer to Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Vietnam Pengiran Haji Sahari bin Pengiran Haji Salleh on November 15, 2020. (Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu)

The Sultan of Brunei praised Vietnam's ASEAN Chairmanship 2020, adding that the 37th ASEAN Summit and related summits went smoothly despite obstacles.

“Let me begin by congratulating Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the government and people of Vietnam on the success in chairing ASEAN during a very challenging period. At a time of great destruction, Vietnam has guided ASEAN to fulfill its promise of being cohesive and responsive," he said.

"Brunei Darussalem will continue building on Vietnam’s admirable works to advance regional recovery and community building efforts. As chair in 2021 Brunei will promote 3 fundamental areas inspired by ASEAN’s long history of development."

The Sultan of Brunei pledged to unite ASEAN in 2021 and drive the bloc to meet challenges and realize the ASEAN Community Vision.