Six Asian countries agree to strengthen cooperation to combat COVID-19 pandemic, reinvigorate economy
Travel Biz News —
Foreign ministers of six Asian countries – China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to strengthen cooperation to combat COVID-19 pandemic, reinvigorate economic recovery and protect people’s lives and livelihood during a video conference held this week.
State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of the People’s Republic of China, Acting Foreign Ministers – Mirwais Nab of Afghanistan, A.K. Abdul Momen of Bangladesh, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali of Nepal, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi of Pakistan, and Dinesh Gunawardena of Sri Lanka held a video conference on joint response to COVID-19, and exchanged views on international and regional cooperation on pandemic response and post-COVID economic recovery on 27 April.
China agreed to support the participating countries to overcome the impact of COVID-19 on their economies through enhanced level of economic cooperation and collaboration.
They noted with satisfaction the concerted and productive efforts made by their countries since the start of COVID-19 to combat the virus and promote economic recovery in the spirit of overcoming challenges through cooperation and mutual assistance.
The Foreign Ministers, expressing opposition to politicizing the issue, reiterated their firm support to WHO’s due role in the global cooperation against COVID-19 and acknowledged that tracing the origin of the virus is a matter of science and a global mission. They agreed to strengthen cooperation to track COVID-19 mutation closely.
The ministers agreed that vaccines, as a key weapon to defeat COVID-19, should be distributed in accordance with the principle of equity and justice. They expressed that “vaccine nationalism” will hinder the global efforts to defeat COVID-19 and underscored the need to avoid the “immunity gap”.
“ The Foreign Ministers recognized the serious impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and its complex implications for the sustainable development of all countries. The Foreign Ministers agreed to deepen Belt and Road cooperation, open their borders under the premise of pandemic prevention and control for smooth trade, keep the industrial and supply chains stable and secure, and give a stronger boost to economic recovery and the improvement of people’s lives , “ according to a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of six Asian countries .
“ To push forward practical cooperation in relevant fields, China announced its decision to establish a China-South Asian Countries Emergency Supplies Reserve, set up a China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Center, and hold a China-South Asian Countries E-commerce Cooperation Forum on Poverty Alleviation in Rural Areas. The Foreign Ministers agreed to make these mechanisms inclusive, transparent, sustainable and demand-driven.”
They agreed to closely follow the development of COVID-19 situation in India, and expressed their willingness to provide needed support through respective channels in consultation with India.
They agreed to maintain the momentum of cooperation among the six countries, hold consultations at various levels , expand cooperation areas and lend impetus to future cooperation.
In addition, in a spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, the six countries welcomed active participation of other countries in the region.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced to provide Nepal with an additional grant of medical equipment and materials equivalent to 5 million RMB to complement national efforts in fighting against COVID-19, according to a statement issued by MOFA Nepal.
28 April 2021
