Further bolstering coordination between Mekong-RoK cooperation and ASEAN
	Mekong-Japan Summit called for cooperation strengthening and conectivity increasing
	ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit encourages women to further uphold their role

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks the closing ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Source: baoquocte.vn

The 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits concluded successfully, with a record number of 80 documents adopted and signed, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the press on November 15.

During the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, held via video conference from November 12-15, participating leaders looked at practical matters, including necessary solutions to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also discussed measures to recover the regional economy in order to complete the dual tasks of containing the pandemic and maintaining production and business activities in the region, he said at a press conference following the closing ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

PM Phuc highlighted the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement between 10 ASEAN member countries and five partners, which, he said, is significant to not only ASEAN but also global trade.

The countries also mulled over matters regarding security and peace in the region, especially maritime issues, with the aim of creating a better environment in line with international law.

Various initiatives have been raised to ensure that nobody is left behind, the PM said, adding that the countries agreed to double efforts to narrow the development gap in the region.

On this occasion, the leaders of the ASEAN member states adopted a Narrative of ASEAN Identity and issued the Hanoi Declaration on Strengthening Social Work towards Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community. The ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit held for the first time offered a valuable chance for women in ASEAN countries to contribute to the region’s sustainable growth efforts.

During the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN member countries and partners shared the view on ASEAN’s centrality in the region, he continued.

At the 37th ASEAN Summit, leaders agreed on the urgent need to step up cooperation, protect peace and stability and respect laws in the post-COVID-19 context.

ASEAN’s initiatives on cooperation in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and disease risks were announced and put into operation, including the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, the ASEAN Standard Operating Procedures in response to Public Health Emergencies and the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.

They showed the determination to build the East Sea into a sea of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation, with freedom of navigation and aviation ensured, and consented that all activities at sea must be conducted in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The countries stressed the need to exercise self-restraint, seriously implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon reach an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the Sea (COC) in line with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

The 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits have paved the way for ASEAN member countries and advanced cooperation between the group and partners, for peace and prosperity, he said.

Answering reporters’ queries on the impact of strategic competition between world powers on the intra-bloc solidarity, PM Phuc affirmed that ASEAN and Vietnam in particular hope for good relations between the powers to benefit peace, security, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

In the spirit of cohesiveness and responsiveness, Vietnam and ASEAN member countries have shared view points and actions, and worked together with partners for an open, transparent and rules-based region.

This has been reflected in ASEAN documents issued in 2020, he added.

Vietnam handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Brunei Darussalam which will be chair of the bloc in 2021. Source: baoquocte.vn

At the closing ceremony, Vietnam handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Brunei Darussalam which will be chair of the bloc in 2021.

The Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah congratulated Vietnam on fulfilling its role as the ASEAN Chair in 2020.

He also announced the theme of “We care, We prepare and We prosper” for Brunei's ASEAN Chairmanship Year in 2021./.

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