Vietnam proposes postponing 36th ASEAN Summit, related meetings
ASEAN 2020: Vietnam proposes postponing 36th ASEAN Summit, related meetings
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on March 19 wrote to leaders of ASEAN countries and New Zealand proposing that the 36th ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN-New Zealand Summit and related meetings, initially scheduled for April 8-9 in Vietnam’s Da Nang city, be postponed until the end of June.
Da Nang International Airport. Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi, (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on March 19 wroteto leaders of ASEAN countries and New Zealand proposing that the 36th ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN-New Zealand Summit and related meetings, initiallyscheduled for April 8-9 in Vietnam’s Da Nang city, be postponed until the endof June.
In his letter, PM Phuc affirmed that Vietnam has basically completed organizationalwork for the events, but the postponement is necessary in the context of theCOVID-19 epidemic spreading in the region and the world, and being declared apandemic by the World Health Organisation.
The Vietnamese Government leader expressed thanks to the countries forworking together with Vietnam to promote the building of a cohesive andresponsive ASEAN Community.
He affirmed that with resolve and joint efforts, solidarity and mutual compassion,the ASEAN Community will stand firm in the face of challenges, ensure apeaceful life for its people and prosperous development of its membercountries.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung handed over the PM’s letter tothe Ambassadors of ASEAN countries and New Zealand at a meeting in Hanoi onMarch 19.
The Deputy FM called on ASEAN countries to push ahead with efforts tomaintain cooperation and connection, and promote the spirit of a cohesive andresponsive ASEAN Community in the current difficult period under the impacts ofthe COVID-19 epidemic.
He asked ASEAN member states to continue coordinate closely to mitigatethe epidemic’s negative effects on the process of building the ASEAN Communityas well as on socio-economic situations in member countries.
He informed the ambassadors on measures that Vietnam, as ASEAN Chairthis year, will actively promoted in the time ahead in order to keep the paceof ASEAN working plans and bolster cooperation in preventing and controllingthe epidemic.
On the occasion, representatives from the Foreign Ministry’s ConsularDepartment informed the ASEAN Embassies about Vietnam’s measures to respond tothe COVID-19 epidemic
Ambassadors of ASEAN countries praised Vietnam’s preparations for ASEANevents and its effective response to the epidemic. They expressed support ofthe decision of the ASEAN Chair and pledged to continue working closelywith Vietnam to prepare for the 36th ASEAN Summit./.
The ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)-ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Consultation and the 26th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat were held in the central city of Da Nang on March 10 with the participation of hundreds of ASEAN economic ministers, officials and ABAC experts.
The 26th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)’ Retreat has approved Vietnam’s 12 prioritised initiatives on economic cooperation in ASEAN during the ASEAN Chairman Year 2020.
Within the framework of the 26th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in Vietnam’s central Da Nang city, the ministers on March 11 issued a joint statement on strengthening the bloc's economic resilience in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Lao Government has decided to postpone all big meetings gathering large number of people for major celebrations in 2020 as a strong measure to prevent outbreaks of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Vietnam has been consulting ASEAN member nations and partners about the possibility of postponing the 36th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in early April as scheduled due to complicated developments of the COVID-19 epidemic in the region and the world.
Lawmakers are set to vote on revisions and amendments to a broad spectrum of legal frameworks and impactful resolutions during the final week of the 15th NA's 9th session.
The State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (SCOVA) has served as a bridge connecting and uniting the community with the homeland, becoming a trusted source of support for Vietnamese expats in times of hardship.
The programme to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses has achieved notable results, with nearly 263,000 housing units addressed to date, including 225,000 houses inaugurated and 38,000 under construction. Thirty-eight provinces and cities across the nation have already fulfilled their targets.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
Da Nang International Airport. Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) 
