Duterte calls for a ‘Cohesive Asean’ to defeat Covid-19

Last updated on May 6th, 2021 at 09:17 am

Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte has urged ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for a united response in defeating the the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

During his speech in the online conference, Duterte said that greater cooperation are the key for the region to thrive under the new normal that COVID-19 imposes worldwide.

The Philippines also welcomes the development of the ASEAN plan on strengthening economic cooperation in the region and improving supply chain connectivity.

Duterte said that he is also advocating for the newly launched ASEAN Covid-19 Response Fund so the Asean members can avail medical equipment which will be crucial for the fight against the virus.

The Philippine President also supports strengthening economic cooperation through the use of new technology. Boosting the connectivity within the region could achieved through the adoption different digital platform such as e-commerce, e-learning, videoconferencing. The 36th ASEAN Summit is being chaired by Vietnam and will be the first summit to be conducted online amid the threat of Covid-19.