Hanoi (VNA) – Despite difficulties and challenges in 2020, ASEAN cooperationhas obtained upbeat outcomes this year, forming a strong foundation for thebloc’s development in the next stage, stated Deputy Foreign Minister and headof SOM ASEAN Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dung on November 24.

He made the remarks at the Conversation with ASEAN Chair aspart of the 4th ASEAN Media Forum (AMF), with the participation of the GermanAmbassador to Vietnam, representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat and regionaland international media agencies.

Dung acknowledged that themomentum in building the ASEAN Community has been maintained, all set goals andplans have been completed, and the bloc’s central role has been consolidated.

He said such outcomes have contributed to sustaining peace,stability and recovery in the region.  

The diplomat stressed ASEAN has maximized the cohesive andresponsive spirit in 2020. The bloc has joined hands in fighting the COVID-19pandemic via the prompt implementation of regional initiatives like the ASEANCOVID-19 Response Fund, the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, and the ASEANStrategic Framework for Public Health Emergencies.

Representatives from participating regional and internationalnews agencies lauded Vietnam’s 2020 ASEAN chairmanship, saying the country hasled the bloc to overcome negative impacts of the pandemic and put forthpriorities meeting demand of ASEAN member states and partners.

Participants shared theview that boosting economic and regional connectivity is also a highlight of Vietnam’sASEAN Chairmanship Year. The conclusion of negotiations on and the signing ofthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) showed ASEAN’s strongcommitment to promoting an open and multilateral trade system based on rules.Meanwhile, measures to help ASEAN’s capitalise on opportunities brought aboutby the 4th Revolution Industry were also implemented effectively this year.

Regarding regional andinternational affairs, Deputy Minister Dung reiterated ASEAN’s stance onmaintaining a Southeast Asian region of peace, security, neutrality andstability that promotes mutual trust, respects international law and pursues abalanced approach in partnerships. The stance was made clear in the statementissued by ASEAN Foreign Ministers on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the grouping, and has been firmly maintained in 2020.

He underscored that thetheme of the 2020 ASEAN Year shows Vietnam’s wish to build a cohesive ASEANCommunity that is responsive to challenges and look forwards a completerecovery from the pandemic.

He also affirmed the importance of the ‘think Community andact Community’ concept for regional peace, prosperity and sustainabledevelopment./.