Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Permanent Deputy Foreign MinisterBui Thanh Son on March 27 held second phone talks with leaders of foreignministries of the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), India, Australia andNew Zealand to discuss COVID-19 situation.
Son affirmed that the Vietnamese Government now gives thetop priority to epidemic prevention and control, adding that Vietnam hasinitially developed a standard treatment regime for infection cases.
He also shared several measures that Vietnam has beenapplying such as suspension of entry by foreigners, social distancing,concentrated or self-quarantine, halt of business activities gathering largenumbers of people such as bar clubs and restaurants.
The Deputy FM stated that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’sattendance at the G20 leaders’ video conference in the capacity as ASEAN Chair2020 has reflected ASEAN and Vietnam’s responsibility and contributions to theinternational community’s common efforts against COVID-19.
Vietnam is working closely with ASEAN member states topromote measures enhancing the bloc’s preparedness and responsiveness in the fight,he said.
Son proposed keeping aviation transportation at a minimum tomeeting the demand for both travel and disease prevention.
He also asked the countries to mutually facilitate citizenprotection work.
The official of the US Department of State said the USGovernment is undertaking all possible measures to cope with the epidemic, andsuggested building cooperation mechanisms with countries.
The US side affirmed that the US will soon become able toproduce medical equipment to meet both domestic demand and support othercountries. The US proposed that countries should maintain information sharingand share experience in the combat, noting the need to ensure the provision of accurate information in the anti-epidemicfight. He also mentioned the world economic recovery issues once the epidemicis rolled back.
Son affirmed that the Vietnamese Government now gives thetop priority to epidemic prevention and control, adding that Vietnam hasinitially developed a standard treatment regime for infection cases.
He also shared several measures that Vietnam has beenapplying such as suspension of entry by foreigners, social distancing,concentrated or self-quarantine, halt of business activities gathering largenumbers of people such as bar clubs and restaurants.
The Deputy FM stated that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’sattendance at the G20 leaders’ video conference in the capacity as ASEAN Chair2020 has reflected ASEAN and Vietnam’s responsibility and contributions to theinternational community’s common efforts against COVID-19.
Vietnam is working closely with ASEAN member states topromote measures enhancing the bloc’s preparedness and responsiveness in the fight,he said.
Son proposed keeping aviation transportation at a minimum tomeeting the demand for both travel and disease prevention.
He also asked the countries to mutually facilitate citizenprotection work.
The official of the US Department of State said the USGovernment is undertaking all possible measures to cope with the epidemic, andsuggested building cooperation mechanisms with countries.
The US side affirmed that the US will soon become able toproduce medical equipment to meet both domestic demand and support othercountries. The US proposed that countries should maintain information sharingand share experience in the combat, noting the need to ensure the provision of accurate information in the anti-epidemicfight. He also mentioned the world economic recovery issues once the epidemicis rolled back.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade saidthe country maintains routes used for humanitarian purposes such as carryingmedical equipment. It also launched assistance programmes at internationalorganisations.
Australia will enhance the capacity of producing medicalequipment to meet domestic demand and support those in need, said thedepartment’s official.
The official of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs saidthe Indian Government has decided to lock down the entire country and launch anaid package worth over 22 billion USD for those affected by the lock-down.
According to him, India is cooperating with severalcountries in equipment supply to produce test kits.
The Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister, for his part, saidJapan is actively working with countries to increase cross-border travelcontrol. He informed that the country is focusing on studying medicines andvaccine for COVID-19.
Japan also has an aid scheme worth 140 million USD to help developingnations.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Deputy Foreign Minister said thecountry is focusing on ensuring the supply of medical equipment, studyingfinancial support packages and restricting citizens’ movement.
The RoK Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs briefed on measurestaken by the RoK such as imposing a ban on international flights, socialdistancing while ensuring production.
He proposed that countries should consider cooperation inthe form of exchanging medical experts.
All the diplomats affirmed that their countries will poolall resources and called for close cooperation and more international aid inthe fight against the COVID-19 pandemic./.
VNA
