Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (Source: VNA)

The first measure is to strengthen international solidarity and multilateral cooperation, with the United Nations and the World Health Organization playing a central role, and improve the WHO’s ability to support developing countries.

Second is to share information, experience, and research results, and ensure that everyone has access to vaccines and medicine. 

 Third is to halt activities that impede response efforts, including power politics and unilateral actions contrary to international law. Mr. Minh said Vietnam supports the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire and a waiver of sanctions that undermine any country’s ability to respond to the pandemic.

The fourth measure Mr. Minh proposed is to create a post-epidemic development plan, which should include coordinated policies and measures to stimulate the global economy, trade and investment, stabilize financial markets, and restore the confidence of businesses and people.

The Ministerial Video-Conference, attended by Foreign Ministers from 26 European, Asia-Pacific, Latin American, and African countries, discussed ways to promote international solidarity and strengthen multilateral mechanisms like the WHO.