On 20 February 2020, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, attended the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (SFMM on COVID-19) in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Also in attendance were the Foreign Ministers from ASEAN Member States and the People’s Republic of China.

 

The Meeting emphasised the growing urgency and need for cooperation in the prevention and control of COVID-19 given the fact that ASEAN and China have close links. Both are each other’s major tourist destinations and important trading partners. The Meeting also recognised the important role of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in controlling and containing the spread of COVID-19.

 

The Meeting shared information on the current situation on the outbreak of COVID-19 and measures undertaken by each country. The Meeting also stressed the importance of prompt and transparent information exchange, encouraging more R&D and technical cooperation, and providing clear communications to the public to avoid fake news and misinformation.

 

The Meeting expressed confidence in ASEAN and China’s abilities to address the outbreak of COVID-19. China also appreciated the support and assistance offered by ASEAN Member States on this situation. This included medical supplies, graciously granted by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, as well as the moral support through the video clip presented by Thailand’s Prime Minister. The Meeting also commended the medical professionals, scientists, researchers, quarantine officials and all others who have worked courageously on the frontlines of the battle against the outbreak of COVID-19.

 

Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States and China jointly adopted the Statement of the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) where they agreed to work on 9 issues namely, (1) step up cooperation in the region against COVID-19 by sharing relevant information and best practices in a timely manner; (2) strengthen cooperation within ASEAN-led mechanisms and with external partners to address COVID-19 in a comprehensive and effective manner; (3) strengthen cooperation in risk communication and community engagement to prevent misinformation and fake news; (4) strengthen policy dialogue and exchanges on the latest development of the COVID-19 through existing mechanisms such as the ASEAN-China Health Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on Health Development (ACSOMHD); (5) work together to enhance the capacity to prevent and control emerging and re-emerging infectious and communicable diseases such as COVID-19 through exchanging relevant data and technology; (6) mitigate supply chain disruptions of urgent medical goods and promote research and development of medicines and vaccines; (7) support enterprises affected by the epidemic, especially MSMEs, including through promotion of digital economy; (8) support the use of information and communication technologies for the continued development of public health; and (9) commit to reducing the impact of the epidemic on economic and social development. Additionally, the Meeting agreed to brief the Leaders on the outcome of this Meeting and welcome their guidance on proposals for their engagement at an appropriate time.