Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn proposed Switzerland continue to assist Việt Nam in accessing to COVID-19 vaccine supply, treatment drugs and necessary medical equipment during his talks with Switzerland’s Vice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on Thursday.

Việt Nam on Thursday condemns China’s newly announced military drill near its Hoàng Sa (Paracels) archipelago as a serious violation of the country’s sovereignty.

State President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and his spouse will pay an official visit to Laos from August 9-10.

ASEAN and Canada say they will launch negotiations for a free trade agreement in 2021 and pledged to enhance economic, trade and investment partnerships as well as stabilise supply chain linkages.

Russia will continue to supply vaccines to ASEAN countries and is ready to transfer and expand vaccine production in the region.

Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn urged India to continue its prompt and stable vaccine supply for ASEAN member states at the ASEAN – India foreign ministers’ meeting held on Wednesday  as part of the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-54) and related meetings.

The ASEAN-Australia Post Ministerial Conference was held on Tuesday, with the attendance of Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne along with her counterparts from all 10 Southeast Asian countries, with COVID-19 cooperation and regional issues topping the agenda.

ASEAN member countries and the United States yesterday affirmed their determination to work closely together to contribute to maintaining peace, security and stability in the region, including maritime security and safety in the South China Sea (East Sea).

Collaboration between ASEAN member countries and Japan, Republic of Korea and China was the focus of the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which was held virtually on Tuesday.