The event was joined by the UN Secretary General, nearly 150 medical leaders of member states, and 15 special guests who are heads of states and governments.
During the conference, representatives of the participating nations agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges that no country can face alone. They stressed the important role of the WHO, which is responsible for pooling information and expertise worldwide and coordinating regional and global efforts in response to the pandemic and doing research for vaccines and medicines to cure the disease.
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the event |
As invited by WHO General Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered a speech at the conference. He expressed his deepest condolence to the governments and people of all countries, which have been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and delivered a gratitude message to medical personnel worldwide for their contributions to the disease’s prevention and control efforts.
He said being aware of the danger of COVID-19 since its outset, the Vietnamese Government has mobilized the involvement of administrations at all levels, the national medical system, scientists, and the military. The government was firm in implementing concentrated quarantine, tracing and controlling infection sources, and sacrificing short-term economic interests to protect public health.
He highlighted that the country has entered a “new normal” situation, focusing on economic development while maintaining effective epidemic prevention. According to him, the Vietnamese Government, businesses, organizations and individuals have offered medical supplies and shared experience with many countries, including those hard-hit by the pandemic.
The PM took the occasion to call on countries to stay united and pool resources to effectively cope with the pandemic. He suggested countries devise post-pandemic development plans in combination with ensuring social welfare for the public, especially the poor and the vulnerable.
As ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam hosted and attended many discussions to seek a common voice and initiatives in the fight against the COVID-19, providing support and working for economic recovery, he said.
PM Phuc expressed his belief that in the face of the most serious challenges since the establishment of the United Nations and the WHO, the international community will continue upholding the strong will and power of each nation and strong international solidarity and cooperation to overcome the challenge and build a better future for each country and all citizens.
Source: PANO/VNA
Translated by Trung Thanh