Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (centre) chairs the online Special ASEAN Plus Three Summit on COVID-19 Response, which involves leaders of 10 ASEAN member states and their counterparts from China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan (Photo: VNA)

Leaders expressed our serious concerns about the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Leaders reaffirmed their determination and commitment, in the spirit of a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN, to remain united, and to act jointly and decisively to control the spread of the disease while mitigating its adverse impact on our people’s livelihood, our societies and economies.

The Statement reiterated ASEAN resolve to further strengthen public health cooperation measures to contain the pandemic and protect the people, sharing of experience and best practices in epidemiological research and development, clinical treatment, joint research and development of vaccines and anti-viral medicines, enhancing capacity for the public health systems of ASEAN Member States while protecting and ensuring the safety of public health workers.

 The leaders pledged to intensify cooperation for adequate provision of medicines, essential medical supplies and equipment, and encourage the development of regional reserves of medical supplies as well as utilizing relevant ASEAN reserve warehouses to support the needs of ASEAN Member States in public health emergencies.

ASEAN leaders stressed the need to priorities the well-being of our peoples in ASEAN’s collective fight against COVID-19, and provide appropriate assistance and support to the nationals of ASEAN Member States affected by the pandemic in each other’s country or in third countries.

They agreed to remain committed to keeping ASEAN’s markets open for trade and investment, and enhance cooperation among ASEAN Member States and also with ASEAN’s external partners with a view to ensuring food security.

The Statement said ASEAN encourages the development of a post-pandemic recovery plan to share lessons learned, restore ASEAN’s connectivity, tourism, normal business and social activities, prevent potential economic downturns.

ASEAN leaders commited to work closely with the WHO, ASEAN’s external partners and the international community to suppress the spread of the pandemic, protect people’s lives and livelihoods, maintain socio-economic stability while sustaining ASEAN Community building momentum for sustainable development, inclusive growth and leaving no one behind.