PM Chinh underlines importance of effective co-operation to contain virus

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made this statement as part of his address delivered at the 7th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit which was held virtually on September 9.

During the course of the meeting themed "GMS: Renewed Strength to Face the Challenges of the New Decade”, leaders of GMS countries and representatives from international organisations conducted a review of the progress of GMS co-operation since the previous summit held back in March, 2018, in the nation. They also spent time mapping out co-operation directions over the next decade, along with solutions aimed at overcoming the challenging period.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh underlined the strategic role of the GMS in the international integration process and economic growth of Asia.

The GMS’s co-operation outcomes have effectively supported the building of the ASEAN Community whilst shaping the regional architecture with ASEAN at the centre. This has been done while promoting the ASEAN-China strategic partnership, according to the Vietnamese Government leader.

He emphasised that it is in the interest and responsibility of each GMS country to co-ordinate efforts with each other to solve common challenges faced in the region and support each other for the cause of mutual development.

Political trust and co-operation on the basis of the principles of equality, consensus, mutual benefit, efficiency, practicality, and respect for international law will continue to be indispensable conditions for the success of the GMS, the PM added.

PM Chinh also placed importance on priorities in GMS co-operation in the near future, firstly in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on supporting the open, fair, and transparent access to vaccines and treatment drugs.

The Vietnamese Government chief therefore called on countries that are producing vaccines, including China, to further assist other nations that are in a similar position to Vietnam.

He proposed organising the annual GMS high-level forum with development partners in a bid to review GMS co-operation and attract greater resources, as well as consultancy from partners.

The cabinet leader went on to state that the nation will continue to effectively contribute to the implementation of common goals and visions of the GMS, work together with neighbouring countries to build a GMS region of openness, safety, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

The Prime Minister's speech received plenty of appreciation from senior leaders who showed their interest and agreed to support Vietnamese views and initiatives.

The meeting adopted the GMS COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan for the 2021 to 2023 period along with the GMS Economic Cooperation Programme Strategic Framework 2030.

In line with this the leaders outlined the 2030 vision to create a GMS region of integration and prosperity that also boasts sustainable development.

Upon concluding the meeting, they adopted a joint statement and consented to hold the 8th GMS Summit in China in 2024.

PM Chinh's attendance at the summit came at the invitation of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.