Asean, US vow to cooperate in Covid-19 fight

Leaders from Asean and the United states have pledged to strengthen their cooperation in key priority areas, particularly the joint battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The leaders met at the virtual and hybrid Asean-us foreign ministers’ meeting on sept 23, held on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations general Assembly.

Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs saleumxay Kommasith attended the meeting, which reviewed the achievements made since the Asean-us special foreign ministerial meeting in July and Asean-us Ministerial Meeting in August.

The two sides discussed the implementation of the 2021-2025 action plan for Asean-us cooperation.

The leaders agreed to work together to contain the spread of Covid-19 through the exchange of information and good practices.

They agreed to deepen their collaboration in research and development, joint production of Covid-19 vaccines, equitable access to vaccines through the Covax Facility, and economic recovery.

They also agreed to cooperate in digital economy and sustainable development, Asean connectivity, human resource development, and narrowing the development gap between Asean member countries.

During the meeting, saleumxay thanked Us and Asean member countries for providing vaccines and medical supplies to support laos’ battle against Covid-19.

They also discussed preparations for the 9th Asean-us summit, which is to be held next month.