ASEAN Foreign Ministers Hold Video Conference on COVID-19
One with ASEAN. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. delivers the Philippines’ intervention at the 25th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting on 09 April 2020.
New ways of doing things. ASEAN Foreign Ministers gather via video conference to discuss the region’s collective response to COVID-19.
Practicing international social distancing. Secretary Locsin listens to his Foreign Minister counterparts at the 25th ACC Meeting.
MANILA 10 April 2020 – The ASEAN Foreign Ministers convened for the 25th Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) via teleconference on Thursday, 9 April 2020, to discuss the region’s collective response to COVID-19.
At the Meeting, measures recommended by the ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group on Public Health Emergencies during their inaugural meeting last 31 March were also endorsed. These measures include continued sharing of information and best practices, measures to mitigate the negative socio-economic impact of the pandemic, and the establishment of a COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund.
During his intervention, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., emphasized the need for continued cooperation among ASEAN Member States in ensuring food security, particularly a stable rice supply, as well as access to medicines, personal protective equipment, and other essential medical supplies. The Secretary also highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region during this crucial time, particularly in the South China Sea.
To end the Meeting, ASEAN Member States were invited to share, in their respective languages, a message of solidarity with ASEAN.
Secretary Locsin delivered his message in the Philippines’ Hiligaynon language, “Katuwang ang Pilipinas sang mga pungsod nga miyembro sang ASEAN sa madinalag-un nga pag-tapna sang COVID-19.” (The Philippines stands united with other ASEAN Member States in the fight against COVID-19). END