Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dato Lim Jock Hoi speaks at the online Special ASEAN and ASEAN+3 Summits (Photo: VNA)

He said: “Vietnam has demonstrated strong leadership in spearheading a collective regional response to COVID-19. Its Chairmanship theme of building a cohesive and responsive ASEAN is very relevant given the situation we find ourselves in. Indeed, ASEAN has come together and responded quickly to the pandemic since February, and today, through the two summits. ASEAN’s strong response is in large part due to Vietnam’s leadership in encouraging our continued dialogue and collaboration.”

The ASEAN Secretary-General said the summits were a concrete demonstration of ASEAN’s solidarity and cooperation with its Plus Three neighbors in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged greater sharing of medical information and social security and health policies.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on Wednesday, Ambassador Deng Xijun, head of the Chinese mission to ASEAN, affirmed China’s strong support for Vietnam’s chairmanship in 2020.

Ambassador Deng Xijun, head of the Chinese mission to ASEAN (Photo: VNA)

Ambassador Deng said China has closely followed the efforts of ASEAN, led by Vietnam as Chair, to promote cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.

He said the release of the Chairman’s Statement on ASEAN’s Collective Response to the Outbreak of COVID-19, and the convening of video conferences and meetings by ASEAN members and partners, including the Special ASEAN Summit and Special ASEAN+3 Summit, demonstrate strong leadership by Vietnam as the ASEAN Chair and ASEAN+3 Chair.

The Chinese diplomat said this milestone in the history of ASEAN+3 cooperation has highlighted once again close bonds and a fine tradition of mutual assistance in times of difficulty.