The ASEAN ministers highly appreciated China's cooperation and assistance in the fight against Covid-19 and suggested that China actively participate in the bloc's initiatives.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh today attended the ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers Online Meeting, within the framework of the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting on the afternoon of September 9, according to a statement today.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers emphasized that China is ASEAN's largest trading partner and among the countries with the largest number of tourists to ASEAN.

ASEAN requested China to actively participate in ASEAN initiatives such as the ASEAN Fund to respond to COVID-19, the Regional Medical Material Stockpile, and to develop an Overall Recovery Framework.

The two sides agreed to continue to promote cooperation in priority areas such as digital economic development, cyber security, maritime cooperation, disaster response, people-to-people connections and early completion.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh co-chaired the 21st ASEAN + 3 Foreign Ministers Meeting (Korea, China and Japan), the ASEAN - Japan Foreign Ministers Meeting and attended the Conference.

The Deputy Prime Minister asked Japan to soon support the establishment of the ASEAN Center for public health emergencies and epidemics in 2020. Japan is the fourth largest trading partner and the third largest foreign investor.

ASEAN highly appreciates Korea's support in the response to Covid-19, such as a commitment to support $ 1 million for the ASEAN Fund to respond to Covid-19, and to support $ 5 million worth of medical equipment and supplies to other countries.

Covid-19 appeared in 213 countries and territories, causing 27.8 million people to become infected, more than 904,000 dead and nearly 20 million to recover.

Updated: 8:11, 8/9 | Source: WorldOMeters