ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi (Photo: AFP/VNA)

He said that despite having to deal with the impact of COVID-19 and natural disasters, Vietnam has provided strong leadership in these challenges, placing ASEAN Centrality and the interest of the region’s people at the forefront.

Lim added Vietnam’s Chairmanship theme this year, “Cohesive and Responsive”, is both prescient and highly relevant in the face of COVID-19, which is considered a defining global health crisis.

According to Lim Vietnam has successfully rallied the collective resources of the region, especially in synchronising ASEAN’s response to the pandemic.

He went on to note that amidst geostrategic uncertainties, Vietnam’s Chairmanship also strengthened ties and deepened trust among ASEAN member nations, and with external partners through intensified cooperation.