The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed on Friday 20 March to intensify their cooperation in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer announced.
The decision was taken at a ministerial videoconference chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the Foreign Minister of Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan.
"The discussions (of this Friday) are just the beginning; we all need to work together to mitigate the social and economic impact on our regions, keep supply chains open and advance relevant scientific research", Borrell said in a statement from the European External Action Service. The meeting provided an opportunity to share information on actions taken, best practices and lessons learned in each of the regions, according to Mr Mamer.
ASEAN and the EU will also work with WHO and the wider international community to exchange timely information, strengthen cooperation, share best practices, including on containment, isolation and contact tracing, and mitigate the adverse public health, economic and social effects of Covid-19, the EEAS said.
Mr Balakrishnan, on the other hand, has already thought about the post-crisis period: "When the situation stabilises, it is essential that we work together to stimulate our economies. This means doubling trade and investment and returning to the spirit of openness with our partners", he explained. He believed that consideration should be given to a common criterion or set of guidelines for determining when and how to impose time-limited travel restrictions. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)