No nation is safe while others still have to grapple with COVID-19: PM
Nobody is safe when there are still others contracted COVID-19 and no country is safe when other nations in the region and the world are still fighting against COVID-19, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at the 7th GMS Summit held virtually on September 9.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Nobody is safe when there are still others contracted COVID-19 and no country is safe when other nations in the region and the world are still fighting against COVID-19, Vietnamese Prime MinisterPham Minh Chinh said at the 7thGMS Summit held virtually on September 9.
PM Chinh's attendance at the summit is made at the invitation of CambodianPrime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.
In his remarks, the PM emphasised the strategic role of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) in the international integration process and economic growth of Asia.
The GMS’s cooperation outcomes have effectively supportedthe building of the ASEAN Community and shaping the regional architecture with ASEANas the centrality, while promoting the ASEAN-China strategic partnership, PM Chinhsaid.
He stressed that it is the interest and responsibilityof each GMS country to coordinate with each other to solve common challenges in the region andsupport each other for mutual development.
Political trust and cooperation on the basis of theprinciples of equality, consensus, mutual benefit, efficiency, practicality andrespect for international law will continue to be indispensable conditions forthe success of the GMS, the PM said.
He suggested priorities in GMS cooperation in the timeahead, firstly the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on supportingthe open, fair and transparent access to vaccines and treatment drugs.
The Vietnamese leader called on countries that are producingvaccines, including China, to further assist other nations, including Vietnam.
He proposed organising the annual GMS high-level forumwith development partners to review GMS cooperation and attract more resources aswell as consultancy from the partners.
The 7th GMS Summit was held virtually on September 9. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam will continue to effectively contribute to theimplementation of common goals and visions of the GMS, work together with neighbouringcountries to build a GMS region of openness, safety, peace, prosperity andsustainable development, he pledged.
At the summit, themed "GMS: Renewed Strength toFace the Challenges of the New Decade”, leaders of the GMS countries and representativesfrom international organisations reviewed the progress of GMS cooperation sincethe previous summit held in March 2018 in Vietnam, and map out cooperation directionsin the next decade, along with solutions to overcome the current difficult period.
The meeting adopted the GMS COVID-19 Response andRecovery Plan for 2021-2023 and the GMS Economic Cooperation ProgrammeStrategic Framework 2030.
Accordingly, the leaders put forth the 2030 vision on aGMS region of integration, prosperity, and sustainable, inclusive development.
At the end of the meeting, they adopted a joint statementand agreed to hold the 8th GMS Summit in China in 2024./.
A programme to promote cross-border trade connectivity between India and countries in the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) was jointly held by trade promotion agencies of Vietnam, India, Thailand and Cambodia on August 19.
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen will preside over the seventh Greater Mekong Subregion (7th GMS) Summit via videoconference on September 9, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced in a press release on September 7.
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).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (Photo: VNA) 
The 7th GMS Summit was held virtually on September 9. (Photo: VNA) 
