Asean, Russian FMs pledge to boost cooperation in health sector

VIENTIANE, July 8 (Vientiane Times/ANN) - Asean nations and Russia have vowed to enhance their cooperation in the health field, especially in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including the research and development of vaccines and medicines, and post-pandemic economic recovery.

Foreign ministers from Asean countries and Russia reached an agreement on cooperation at a special meeting held on Tuesday via a video link.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Ms Retno Marsudi co-chaired the meeting, which was attended by the Asean Secretary General, Lim Jock Hoi.

Participants said they highly valued the results of the implementation of projects and action plans under the Asean-Russia cooperation framework, which cover political, security and socio-cultural fields.

They agreed to strengthen cooperation in priority areas such as health, with a special focus on the control of the Covid-19 pandemic, the research and development of medicines as well as Covid-19 vaccines, and post-pandemic economic recovery.

The meeting encouraged Russia to consider support for projects initiated by Asean to combat Covid-19. These include the Asean Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies, and the Asean plan on post-pandemic comprehensive economic recovery and cooperation in the Travel Bubble to facilitate visits between people from the two regions.

Laos’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith suggested that Asean and Russia strengthen cooperation in disaster management, information and communication technology security, education, youth exchanges, and in other areas in which Asean and Russia have common potential for collaboration.

The ministers also discussed regional and global issues of common interest, especially the expansion of Asia-Pacific infrastructure.

The meeting also discussed preparations for the upcoming Asean-Russia Post Ministerial Conference next month, and the fourth Asean-Russia Summit to be held in October.