The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China began a special meeting on Thursday in Vietniane, Laos, to debate measures adopted by Beijing to curb the spread of the virus.
It is co-chaired by Chian’s Wang Yi and Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin Jnr, who can also be the country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue relations.
FM Don met with HE Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and FM #China before #MLC Meeting and special #ASEAN -China Meeting on #Coronavirus2019 within the Lao PDR. China showed gratitude to Thailand for its support and sympathy and discussed a long-lasting solution to the issue. (February 19, 20) pic.twitter.com/2tJ10fARz2
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand (@MFAThai) February 19, 2020
In his opening speech, Locsins said that beyond the health effects of the Covid-19 disease, the outbreak had caused “enormously damaging” effects on trade, travel and the worldwide economy.
“Enemies like Covid-19 require action, compassion and cooperation,” Locsin said, as quoted by South China Morning Mail. “Strengthening cooperation can help pave the way to defeating this enemy.”
The same meeting was held in 2003 after the Sars epidemic.
Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin Jr thanked China for its “unprecedented domestic measures and quick motion” – apparently referring to lockdowns in several major cities because the virus spreads.
But he noted the “extremely damaging” economic impact of the disease, which reduces global trade and tourism, vital to many Southeast Asian economies. Times of the Strait.
The epidemic has disrupted trade and provide chains and slowed regional tourism, forcing countries to lower growth forecasts for this yr and plan stimulus measures to assist businesses stay afloat.
