According to Deputy Foreign Minister and General Secretary of the National ASEAN 2020 Committee Nguyen Quoc Dung, other participating countries spoke highly of the theme selected for ASEAN this year - “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN” that has become a “brand” of the bloc.
UNDP Resident Representative for Vietnam, Caitlin Wiesen, said that the theme selected for the ASEAN Year is appropriate and reflective, highlighting the importance of being cohesive and responsive at this tough time. ASEAN has united closely to proactively respond to great uncertainties and challenges, especially the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit. Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA  The Vietnamese top leader and delegates at the opening ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks opens the 37th ASEAN Summit. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chairs the plenary session of the 37th ASEAN Summit. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan attends the ASEAN Women Leaders' Summit. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  Delegates at the opening ceremony. Photo: Tri Dung/VNA |
ASEAN leaders approved the Hanoi Declaration on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision, with the expectation of building a solid foundation for the development path ahead of the ASEAN community.
Targeting toward a diverse identity community, the ASEAN leaders encouraged the flying of the ASEAN Flag in member states and the use of the ASEAN anthem in official ASEAN functions, popularizing an ASEAN image to people and communities. On the occasion, they also adopted the Hanoi Declaration on Strengthening Social Work towards Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community; and the Narrative of ASEAN Identity.
Priorities and ideas implemented effectively
At the summits, the ASEAN ideas of cooperation in response to COVID-19 and disease risks have been announced and put into implementation. These include the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund with 10 million US dollars donated from member states, (Vietnam contributed 100,000 US dollars); the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies ( Vietnam contributed medical supplies worth 5 million US dollars). With assistance from Japan, ASEAN decided to establish the ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.
According to Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Thongphan Savanphet, Vietnam has played a central role in cooperation with ASEAN and non-ASEAN member states as well as created more cohesion and solidarity in ASEAN.
At the summits, the bloc agreed to expand the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) that increased the number of member states to 43 with the welcoming of Cuba, Colombia and South Africa. The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) via video conference also approved important statements, including the Hanoi Declaration on the 15th Anniversary of the East Asia Summit.
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The ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation For Economic and Financial Resilience in the Face Of Emerging Challenges reaffirmed the role and strength of APT’s framework in response to the risks of financial - economic crisis in the region.
The official signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement indicated commitment and strong determination to trade liberalization and connectivity between ASEAN and its partners.
In the past, the cooperation and diplomatic ties of ASEAN and its partners have played an important role. At the 37th ASEAN summit, there were related summits between ASEAN and its partners, such as China, Japan, South Korea, the US, India, Australia, New Zealand and the UN. The outcomes of the summits reaffirmed the image of ASEAN’s dynamic cooperation and close connection, enhancing its position and centrality in the region.
