Singapore calls for stronger intra-ASEAN cooperation in COVID-19 fight

During his speech at the virtual 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA 41), which was chaired by Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan from September 8-10, the Singaporean leader stressed that ASEAN member nations need to use platforms like AIPA, to foster greater cooperation and building mutual understanding, trust and confidence, thus weathering the COVID-19 storm together.

Speaker of Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin (C) calls for stronger intra-ASEAN cooperation in COVID-19 fight (Photo: VNA)

He called on regional countries to prepare for a new normal period following the pandemic, and continue to enhance their cooperation in areas of common interest such as cyber security and developing smart cities, as well as longer-standing ones like stopping trans-boundary crime and tackling climate change.

This will ensure that ASEAN remains resilient and relevant in the decades to come, the Speaker stressed.

He highlighted the significance of the theme “Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community” decided by Vietnam, saying that this shows that the group need to harmoniously coordinate to effectively and promptly cope with the health crisis.

ASEAN member countries should to work closely together and with its partners to maintain their responsive ability in order protect people's lives, he added.

The Speaker took the occasion to thank Vietnamese NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan for hosting the event, and congratulated Vietnam on its role as the ASEAN Chair at a challenging time like today./.