PM calls for Asia and Europe to strengthen ties in fight against Covid

Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and mutual assistance between Asia and Europe as the two continents strive to overcome the Covid-19 crisis.
Mr Phankham called for stronger cooperation when addressing the 13th Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM 13) which opened on Thursday via video conference streamed from Cambodia.
The summit was chaired by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and attended by heads of state/government and high-level representatives of 51 ASEM countries from Asia and Europe, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the Secretary-General of Asean.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth”, the ASEM Summit is the biggest international leaders’ gathering after the UN General Assembly.

Mr Phankham’s speech centred on development and economic recovery in the post-pandemic period.
The premier called for member countries to strengthen mutual assistance and technical support in areas relating to science, sharing of information in the health sector, and sufficient supply and access to vaccines by member states.
Mr Phankham also underscored the importance of cooperation in areas relating to modern transport to boost people-to-people exchanges and strengthen the global supply chain, promoting trade, investment, tourism and the growth of SMEs.
The prime minister also stressed the importance of broadening collaboration in areas relating to digital economy and innovation to facilitate economic activities on the two continents.
The summit, which runs from November 25-26, is taking place amid the Covid-19 crisis, which has disrupted socio-economic development and affected the livelihoods of people on the two continents.
Several important regional and international issues are being discussed during the summit, providing opportunities for member countries to share their views on topics of mutual interest.
The summit reflects the commitment of ASEM member countries to strengthen multilateral cooperation to maintain peace and boost shared prosperity in Asia and Europe as well as the world at large.
 Leaders will discuss ways to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic as well as policies to speed up economic recovery on the two continents.
The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an intergovernmental process established in 1996 to foster dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe.
Laos hosted the ASEM Summit in 2012, which was considered the largest international event ever staged in Laos.
ASEM addresses political, economic, financial, social, cultural, and educational issues of common interest in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership.

By Somsack Pongkhao
  (Latest Update November 26, 2021)