ASEAN has ensured that it will uphold and maintain its centrality amid the three main challenges looming over the region.
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BENNY DWI KOESTANTO/NINA SUSILO
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BPMI SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN
The 37th ASEAN Summit was opened virtually, Thursday (12/11/2020). Vietnam to host.
HANOI, THURSDAY — ASEAN has ensured that it will uphold and maintain its centrality amid the three main challenges looming over the region, namely the COVID-19 pandemic, the security dynamics in the South China Sea as well as the regional and global economic cooperation, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in his opening remarks at the 37th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, Thursday (12/11/2020).
“Being fully aware of the opportunities and challenges facing our region, ASEAN, in the spirit of self-reliance, has been of sound mind and steadfast in pursuing a balanced and harmonious approach so as to maintain its centrality without being swayed or drawn into the regional and international maelstroms,” Nguyen said.
The ASEAN Summit was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and joined by world leaders, including Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. During the summit, besides the meetings among its members, ASEAN leaders also met with partners from China, Japan, South Korea, India and the United States.
According to Nguyen, as 2020 draws to a close, the 37th ASEAN Summit and related summits between ASEAN and its partners shall be instrumental in achieving ASEAN’s key deliverables and priorities for the year as well as mapping out the direction of the association’s future cooperation, which cover three main subjects.
First, ASEAN is encouraged to focus on COVID-19 response, including ensuring the development and availability of vaccines and effective treatment.
BPMI SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN
President Joko Widodo speaks at the plenary session of the 37th ASEAN Summit, Thursday (12/11/2020). The President is optimistic about the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Second is to realize the importance of equitable and sustainable growth in developing the ASEAN Community. Third, maintaining peace and stability to achieve ASEAN’s economic recovery and development.
“At the same time, we need to step up ways and means to assist our businesses in restoring production, trade, work and people’s livelihood. The ASEAN Community Councils shall make haste in implementing the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and its Implementation Plan right after the summit today,” Nguyen said.
The ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework covers several plans to stabilize production and supply chains, strengthen connectivity and restore trade in the region.
ASEAN is also creating a safe travel framework for businesses and investors amidst the pandemic. In the short term, ASEAN is considering reopening flights within Southeast Asia.
NHAC NGUYEN/AFP
Vietnam PM, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, at the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, Thursday, November 12, 2020.
Nguyen has also reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to maintain peace, security, stability and neutrality. In regard to the South China Sea issue, ASEAN has also consistently expressed its principled position and strong commitment to turning the critical sea lane of the region and the world into a peaceful, stable and safe sea for the flow of goods.
Travel corridor
President Jokowi has welcomed the framework for an ASEAN travel corridor arrangement (TCA) for essential business travelers. To realize such a framework, ASEAN should soon establish temporary fast lanes along with strict health protocols as well as the utilization of regionally integrated digital platforms and other things that have to be prepared.
They want to see our region immediately rise up.
The TCA should be prepared in detail. "I hope the ASEAN TCA can be in operation in the first quarter of next year. The arrangement will bring out optimism that our economic activities can be gradually activated while still maintaining discipline in implementing health protocols,” the President said.
According to President Jokowi, people could not wait any longer. “They want to see our region immediately rise up," he added.
