Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc chairs the online special ASEAN+3 summit on COVID-19 in Hà Nội on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — An online special summit on COVID-19 between ASEAN and its three partner countries of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ASEAN+3) was held in Hà Nội on Tuesday afternoon.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc was chairing the summit.

Addressing the opening ceremony, PM Phúc said "countries in the region and the world are facing challenges caused by COVID-19 which has spread to more than 200 countries and territories, seriously affecting the socio-economic development of many countries, including ASEAN+3".

Promoting the spirit of “cohesive and responsive”, PM Phúc said the ASEAN Community had closely cooperated with partners and the international community to fight against the pandemic.

Efforts by the governments of ASEAN member countries, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea had brought in encouraging initial results, he said.

He affirmed that ASEAN+3 countries had a tradition of cooperation to effectively respond to economic challenges, natural disasters and pandemics, including the SARS pandemic in 2003.

"In response to the seriousness of the COVID-19, we need to promote that fine tradition, demonstrating solidarity and cooperate to overcome this challenging time,” he said.

He said he believed the summit would gain important results, confirming commitment and determination at the highest levels of ASEAN+3 countries in enhancing coordination to effectively fight against COVID-19, recovering socio-economic stability and ensuring a peaceful life for citizens, he said.

“The role of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea is very important,” he stressed.

At the summit, leaders of ASEAN+3 countries put forward specific measures and initiatives to promote cooperation in pandemic prevention and control and ensure active and sustainable development of the region for the long term. — VNS