VN’s Phuc attends G20 video summit
VIETNAMESE Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended a Group of 20 (G20) emergency video summit on Thursday during which leaders of the 20 major economies discussed coordinated responses to the widening Covid-19 pandemic.
Phuc took part in the summit in the capacity as chair of Asean 2020, to confirm the responsibilities as well as contributions by Asean and Vietnam to the global efforts in combating the pandemic.
Vietnam was invited to attend the G20 Summit for the first time in 2010 as chair of Asean.
Established in 1999, the G20 consists of 19 individual countries plus the European Union, accounting for twothirds of the world population, 90 per cent of the global gross domestic product and 80 per cent of the world trade.
Working with Cambodia, Laos
Phuc called for his Cambodian and Lao counterparts to work together to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic during their phone talks on Thursday.
The three countries would continue the Asean spirit of solidarity and unity as enshrined in the Chairman’s Statement on Asean Collective Response to Covid-19 Outbreak, the prime minister said.
During his phone talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Phuc suggested both sides’ ministries, agencies and localities collaborate actively in stemming the pandemic, ensuring smooth information exchanges, timely addressing obstacles based on the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding.
The two countries should also maintain regular trade exchanges through facilitation of movement of goods along the shared border line.
Hun Sen highly valued Vietnam’s measures to contain the pandemic.
During his phone conversations with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, Phuc spoke highly of the efforts made by the Lao government in employing preventive measures, affirming that Vietnam stands ready to work side by side with Laos in the fight against the pandemic in order to soon stabilise situation in each country.
Thongloun highly valued Vietnam’s efforts and outcomes in containing the virus, expressing his wish that both countries would strengthen information sharing as well as coordination and mutual support in this fight.
Phuc suggested the Lao government to continue facilitating the Vietnamese community’s access to necessary conditions to protect themselves against Covid-19, and coordinate with Vietnam in maintaining stability and security in respective countries, especially in border provinces.
The two leaders agreed to pay more attention to sustain the development of the bilateral ties and continue facilitating cross-border movement of goods in a bid to help the two nations overcome difficulties resulted from the pandemic.