Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has urged ASEAN and US leaders to strengthen cooperation on research and production of Covid-19 vaccines to ensure the universal and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines in ASEAN.
Addressing the ASEAN-US Special Summit on Friday, Prime Minister Phankham called on the US to support ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and continue to enhance cooperation on economic connectivity in the region in a sustainable manner, ensure seamless production chain, promote micro, small and medium enterprises and digitalization, and facilitate trade, investment and services.
He also expressed gratitude to the US government for its provision of vaccines and other medical equipment to ASEAN member states.
The ASEAN-US Special Summit witnessed ASEAN and US President Joe Biden reviewing cooperation over the past years and exchanged points of view on health, climate change, clean energy transformation, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Both sides agreed on strengthening cooperation to control and prevent the outbreak of Covid-19 and emerging diseases in the future.
ASEAN leaders spoke highly of the US provision of financial and medical equipment to ASEAN for Covid-19 response through bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
The US pledged to help ASEAN in capacity building on health and health security.
ASEAN and the US leaders reiterated commitment to implementing their obligations under Paris Agreement with US pledging to assist ASEAN in coping with and adapting to climate change challenges including sea level rise, floods, droughts and other disasters.
Both sides agreed to work together to promote the use of alternative energy and cutting edge technology, and ASEAN power interconnection. They agreed on promoting connectivity by sea, land and air.
The leaders also agreed in principle to upgrade ASEAN-US relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Source: Lao News Agency