Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (Photo: dangcongsan.vn)

In his address, Prime Minister Phuc said cooperation between ASEAN and China is gaining momentum, especially economic and trade cooperation and mutual support  in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, which is ravaging the world. In 6 months of 2020, ASEAN for the first time became China’s largest trading partner and Vietnam contributed up to 20% of total turnover.

The Prime Minister emphasized that as Vietnam holds ASEAN Chair 2020 themed "Cohesive and responsive," ASEAN will continue to strengthen solidarity and unity, and maintain the momentum of cooperation and strong response to the Covid-19, while working effectively with partners to strengthen ASEAN’s centrality in regional security issues. He praised the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) by ASEAN countries and their five partners to create a huge market with a population of 2.2 billion people and a total GDP reaching 26.2 trillion USD.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Vietnam and China are celebrating the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2020. This year Party General Secretary and  President of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping had two phone calls, guiding the bilateral friendly neighborliness and Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Prime Minister Phuc affirmed that Vietnam and other ASEAN countries are working towards the Community Vision 2025, expanding cooperation with China on the basis of the UN Charter, international law, and win-win, and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity.