Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attended the 38th ASEAN Summit virtually on Oct 26, 2021. (Photo by=Ministry of Communications and Information) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] SINGAPORE: Singapore will contribute S$7.9 million worth of medical supplies to an ASEAN stockpile, announced Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 38th Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on Tuesday (Oct 26), according to CNA.
In his comments at the summit, which was held via video conference, Mr. Lee stressed the need for ASEAN nations to work together to “emerge stronger and more resilient” from the COVID-19 pandemic.“Singapore fully supports ASEAN’s collective effort to prepare for future public health emergencies. We will contribute S$7.9 million worth of medical supplies to the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies,” he announced. Given these “difficult times”, Mr. Lee also noted the need to work even harder on economic integration and ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
ASEAN countries must also progressively re-open their economies and resume safe travel as they bring COVID-19 under control, Mr. Lee noted. This, he said, is an important aspect of living with COVID-19. With the COVID-19 pandemic remaining a key challenge after two years, ASEAN nations must work together to improve access to vaccines, added Mr. Lee. Mr. Lee will also attend the 39th ASEAN Summit along with other related meetings from Tuesday to Thursday.