Bandar Seri Begawan, Oct 26 (TIWN) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday kicked off its 38th and 39th summits under the chairmanship of Brunei virtually, with the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and promoting economic recovery high on the agenda.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said the ASEAN member states will take this opportunity to consider ASEAN's community building efforts in realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.  He noted that ASEAN countries will also discuss other issues, including further strengthening the resilience towards regional recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and enhancing cooperation with dialogue partners. 

Lim Jock Hoi, secretary general of the ASEAN, said in his greeting speech that despite the COVID-19 pandemic challenges, ASEAN's economic outlook remains resilient. 

He said ASEAN's economic recovery from this pandemic will depend on a more even distribution of vaccination rollout across the region, which will ensure the continued fair and credible access to the vaccines for all people.  The ASEAN summits, with the theme "We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper," is scheduled to discuss a number of issues, including further strengthening the resilience of the ASEAN Community towards regional recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing the preparedness of the ASEAN in addressing common challenges; seizing new opportunities in pursuit of shared prosperity; and maintaining cooperation towards achieving the region's long-term goals.