Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh was invited to join a virtual meeting on April 16 by the Alliance for Multilateralism to share ways to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at the meeting. Photo: MOFA

Minh, who was the first guest speaker, talked about Vietnam’s efforts to contain the virus in the spirit of putting people’s lives first and foremost. The country has so far confirmed 268 infections and no deaths.

Vietnam has taken a number of protective measures namely mass quarantine, contact tracing, widespread testing, and effective treatment.

The country has also launched a series of supporting packages for businesses and people, mostly the poor and vulnerable.

The conference, which was chaired by Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Mass, discussed measures on how the international community can overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, and how key international organizations can be strengthened in these efforts.

Alongside support for key international organizations, particularly the World Health Organization, their focus was on tangible initiatives of the Alliance, including access to medicines and vaccines, tackling disinformation about the coronavirus and strengthening healthcare systems worldwide.

Viruses know no borders. Around two million coronavirus cases have been confirmed around the world. Hardly any countries have been spared by the pandemic. And all of the world’s countries face unforeseen new challenges – and no country can master them alone.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass at virtual meeting: Photo: Felix Zahn/photothek.net

Vietnam's recommendations

At the video conference among foreign ministers of the Alliance for Multilateralism, a network of foreign ministers committed to promoting a law-based international order, Minh suggested four recommendations in the fight against the pandemic.

First, global solidarity and multilateral cooperation need to be enhanced with the core leadership of the United Nations and the World Health Organization to ensure sufficient support to developing countries.

Vietnam, with its capacity, will contributed to the common fight and provide with made-in-Vietnam medical supplies.

Second, sharing of information and experience should be promoted to ensure widespread access of treatment regimens and vaccines.

Third, it’s necessary to end activities, mostly aggression, unilateralism, and those against international law, that harm the international response to the pandemic. The UN secretary general’s call on ceasefire and sanctions should be responsive.

Fourth, having plans on economic recovery with a focus on stimulus package-based policy making, trade and investment, financial market, and regaining businesses and people’s trust.