Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2020 extraordinary: UNDP official
Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2020 is very extraordinary at the time of great uncertainties and challenges, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, UNDP Resident Representative for Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen has said.
UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen. (Photo: Internet)
Hanoi(VNA) – Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2020 is very extraordinaryat the time of great uncertainties and challenges, especially the COVID-19pandemic, UNDP Resident Representative for Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen has said.
The official told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the sidelines of the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits that kicked off virtually on November12 that the country is reallycommitted to the exceptional organisation of not only the summit but also the entireASEAN Year 2020.
The theme selectedfor the ASEAN Year is appropriate and reflective, she said,highlighting the importance of being cohesive and responsive at this toughtime.
“Vietnam has much to beproud of. The UN force is very pleased to see thecentrality that is given to the multilateralism and the reinforcement of thatwhich is so needed at the time of uncertainties and challenges,” she said.
According to Caitlin, the summits being organised areexcellent examples of the initiatives that have been taken to move forward, andASEAN activities are very creative and innovative, demonstrating the solidarityand cultural richness of the grouping.
In an interview with the VNA, Ambassador of theNetherlands Elsbeth Akkerman also congratulated Vietnam for not only itsorganisation of the summit but also its fulfillment of the ASEAN Chairmanship,saying Vietnam has chaired ASEAN in a very complex circumstance.
The diplomat said the shiftfrom in-person to online meetings amidst COVID-19 has reflected thepreparation, resilience and flexibility of ASEAN countries and partners.
It is a great achievement that deserves a bigcomplement from the whole international community, she said, adding: “ASEAN and Vietnam as the Chair did a great job. ASEAN and Vietnam really place the people of ASEAN at theheart of their efforts.”
The ambassador said there is a smooth transition fromThailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship to Vietnam, and Vietnam has completed that role,which deserves a good complement./.
The 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits kicked off virtually in Hanoi on November 12, with Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong attending.
The Vietnam Business Summit 2020 was held by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Hanoi on November 12 under the theme of “Digitalised Vietnam: Toward Resilient, Responsive and Sustainable Development”.
The 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits officially opened in the form of video conference on November 12. Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong delivered his welcome remarks at the opening ceremony of the event.
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UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen. (Photo: Internet)
