US promotes multilateral cooperation in COVID-19 response, says Blinken
(VOVWORLD) - President Joe Biden's administration values the strategic partnership with ASEAN and wants to promote relations with ASEAN on the basis of mutual respect and jointly building the regional architecture of openness, inclusiveness, and prosperous development, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
 Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Online Meeting, Hanoi, August 4, 2021 (Photo: VNA) |
Addressing the ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Online Meeting on Wednesday, US Secretary of State affirmed that the US will continue to promote multilateral cooperation in COVID-19 response, ensuring an adequate, safe and effective vaccine supply. The US contributes 500,000 USD to the ASEAN Fund for COVID-19 Response, Blinken said.
ASEAN and the US agreed to focus on cooperation in trade-investment, digital transformation, energy, transportation, women's empowerment, and environment-climate change. They pledged close coordination to maintain peace, security and stability in the region, including maritime security and safety in the East Sea.
Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son told the meeting that ASEAN is ready to create favorable conditions for US businesses to expand investment and business in the region. He suggested that the US continue to support ASEAN in narrowing the development gap and ensuring sustainable growth in the ASEAN sub-regions.
The Minister said the parties need to work together towards building a peaceful, stable, secure, and safe East Sea and protect the environment. He said he hopes that the US will continue to play a constructive role and support ASEAN's efforts to maintain peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, as well as support ASEAN's efforts in finding solutions to stabilize Myanmar.
ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers' Online Meeting is within the framework of the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting.