June 19, 2020, 10:01 PM
Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan joined China, 24 other countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the United Nations Development Programme in a video conference on Thursday evening, June 18.
The participants discussed cooperation in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.
Discussed challenges posed by Covid-19
Chaired by China's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, participants also discussed the public health and socio-economic challenges posed by Covid-19, according to a news release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Friday, June 19.
They exchanged views on ways to enhance international cooperation against the pandemic, and agreed on the importance of maintaining supply chain connectivity and working closely together to promote economic recovery.
At the meeting, Vivian emphasised the importance of global health cooperation against Covid-19, as well as the need for countries to keep global trade flowing and supply chains connected.
Vivian at the “High-Level Videoconference on Belt and Road International Cooperation: Combating COVID-19 with Solidarity”. (Image via Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
He stressed that countries should maintain cross-border linkages and facilitate continued capital and investment flows, which will help support businesses, create jobs and fuel the recovery of economies.
In addition, he noted that China's global infrastructure development strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative can provide a useful platform for countries to promote connectivity and development as they work towards economic recovery.
Keeping critical infrastructure to sustain connectivity and create jobs
Taking to social media to talk about the meeting, Vivian said he was glad to have joined the conference with the other participants.
He said: "We exchanged views on ways to enhance public health cooperation, keep our economies open, and position ourselves for recovery."
Vivian added that having critical infrastructure such as air and seaports open will "sustain connectivity and create jobs and opportunities for our peoples".
He further said that Singapore "stands ready to work with the international community to overcome the challenge".Perhaps echoing Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, Vivian said "We will emerge stronger together."
Top image via Vivian Balakrishnan's Facebook
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