Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Deng Xijun (Photo: VNA) Jakarta (VNA) - Vietnamhas shouldered the responsibility of ASEAN Chairmanship during a tough time,and the theme “Cohesive and Responsive” chosen by the country for thisyear couldn't be more relevant, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Deng Xijun has said.
He told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) that facing the rising challenges within and outside the region,from the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis to changing geopolitical landscape, therole of ASEAN chair is more important in upholding ASEAN’s unique inclusiveregionalism and in maintaining "ASEAN way" of consensus.
Chinais committed to work with Vietnam in implementing leaders’ consensus onsolidarity against COVID-19 and common welfare of people, he stressed.
Withthe joint efforts of regional countries, the pandemic in the region isgenerally under control, Deng said, stressing that EastAsia is expected to become the only region with positive economic growth thisyear.
Accordingto the ambassador, efforts of ASEAN and China will focus on thoroughly defeatingthe pandemic, promoting regional economic recovery and cooperation onsustainable development, and strengthening the long-term planning of the ASEAN-Chinacooperation.
Henoted that next year marks the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialoguepartnership, to which foreign ministers attach great importance and commit toclose collaboration on commemorative activities.
Both sides look forward to concluding thenegotiations on the Plan of Action toImplement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peaceand Prosperity (2021-2025) as soon as possible, which draws directionsfor cooperation in the next five years.
Theministers are committed to jointly strengthening the third pillar ofcooperation through more exchanges in education, culture, media, youth andmore.
Theambassador said the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting was, on the whole, a fullsuccess.
ASEANand China will strengthen regional anti-pandemic cooperation and step upregional economic recovery. They will also uphold multilateralism and freetrade and champion open, inclusive and win-win cooperation.
Chinawill give strong support to ASEAN community building, ASEAN centrality in EastAsia cooperation and ASEAN solidarity, while working together with the groupingto ensure peace and development prevail in the region, he pledged./.
VNA
