Leaders of the 10-nation bloc and their partners from three ASEAN partners, namely China, the Republic of Korea and Japan, discussed measures and initiatives to strengthen co-operation in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure dynamic and sustainable development in the region in the long run.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chairs the online ASEAN Special Summit and ASEAN+3 Special Summit on Covid-19 response in Hanoi on Tuesday.

They are expected to adopt a joint statement of the ASEAN Summit and another of the ASEAN+3 Special Summit on Covid-19 response, in which they will affirm their commitment to preventing and eliminating the risk of the pandemic which is threatening people's lives, and in stabilising the socio-economic situation in each member state.

Addressing the opening ceremony, PM Phúc stressed the significance of the meeting with Covid-19 spreading across the region and the world.

All ASEAN member countries have striven to fight the pandemic which has harmed the lives of all citizens and socio-economic development, particularly the services sector which accounted for 30 per cent of the total GDP of ASEAN, threatening sustainability and social security, he said.

However, he noted that during this difficult time, the solidarity of the ASEAN Community has brightened, shouldering together to overcome difficulties. This was demonstrated by the ASEAN Chairman's Statement on ASEAN Collective Response to the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019. Member countries have enhanced co-operation in health care, national defence, economy and tourism; and supported each other.

ASEAN’s efforts have brought encouraging results, putting the pandemic under control, he said. The number of Covid-19 cases in ASEAN stands at about 15,000 among more than 650 million citizens, lower than the global rate.

"This initial result makes us feel more confident but we should not be subjective and be more determined in actions in the spirit of cohesive and responsive,” he said.

The PM said he believed the meeting would put forward practical measures to overcome the Covid-19 challenge.

After the opening speech by PM Phúc and ASEAN leaders, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh, also Chairman of the ASEAN Coordinating Council, delivered a report on ASEAN’s efforts in fighting Covid-19 and gave recommendations on future co-operation.

Global media impressed by Vietnam’s swift response to Covid-19

Global and regional media continued hailing Vietnam’s fight against Covid-19, saying that rapid and active response by the authorities and public cooperation play an important role.

Bac Giang prevents risks of Covid-19 spread in industrial zones

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Many sponsors donate medical materials and food for Bac Giang province to fight against Covid-19 pandemic

(BGO) – On April 10, Chairman of the Bac Giang provincial Fatherland Front Committee (FFC) Tran Cong Thang and leader of the Department of Health received the donated material and expenses for Covid-19 prevention and control at the FFC’s office.

German city appreciates Vietnam’s support in Covid-19 combat

German city appreciates Vietnam’s support in Covid-19 combatMayor of the German city of Liepzig Burkhard Jung has offered thanks to Vietnamese partners for their medical support for St. George Hospital in the Covid-19 fight, stressing the importance of long-standing international cooperation amidst crises.

Two more Covid-19 cases confirmed on April 13 morning

The National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control confirmed two new cases of Covid-19 in the morning of April 13, bringing the total number to 262.

Source: VNS