Asia, Europe leaders voice support for post-pandemic recovery

Leaders from Laos and 30 other countries discussed control of the Covid-19 pandemic and social and economic recovery while attending the 11th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP 11) by video link.
The meeting was hosted by Cambodia under the theme “increasing parliamentary cooperation for peace and sustainable development during the Covid-19 outbreak”.
Speaking at the meeting, Laos’ National Assembly President Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane said the conference was significant because participants had the opportunity to resolve many challenges relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected communities and economies across the world.

Peace, stability and sustainable development are intertwined, while peace and stability are fundamental factors for sustainable development in every country, Dr Xaysomphone said.
In support of this, Laos attaches great importance to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The government has integrated these goals into the five-year National Socio-economic Development Plan for 2021-2025 and the 2030 Vision for green and sustainable development, aiming to lead Laos out of Least Developed Country status in the near future, Dr Xaysomphone said.
He called on ASEP parliamentarians to continue to work together and assist each other to deal with the effects of the pandemic, and to restore damaged economies, so that ordinary people were able to make a living and survive.
The Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership is the parliamentary extension of the Asian-European political dialogue, which aims to enhance relations between Europe and Asia.
Meeting participants agreed to present the outcomes of the meeting at the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to be held in Cambodia on November 25-26.
ASEM is composed of 53 partners, encompassing 21 Asian countries, 30 European countries, the Asean Secretariat, and the European Commission.
It is an intergovernmental process established in 1996 to foster dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe.
Political, economic, financial, social, cultural and educational issues of common interest in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership are the priority topics for discussion by ASEM.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 19, 2021)