Earlier, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam chaired the 18th ASEAN-India Summit; and the 4th ASEAN-Russia Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations. At the 18th ASEAN-India Summit, His Majesty as ASEAN Chair for 2021 in a titah encourages the commencement of a review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, AITIGA to make it more business-friendly and trade facilitative, which would also support economic recovery efforts.
His Majesty notes the designation of 2022 as “ASEAN-India Friendship Year” to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-India relations. In the titah, the Monarch appreciates India’s support for ASEAN’s recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic, including its role in supplying vaccines to the region and its contribution of 1 million U.S. dollars to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. His Majesty also welcomes the decision by ASEAN and India to exchange information on medicinal products, including vaccines, and medical technologies for COVID-19 response
Meanwhile, His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India in his statement highlighted that the friendship between ASEAN and India has improved, despite facing numerous challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ASEAN centrality and unity have always been an important priority for India, and this is enshrined in India’s Act East Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region, SAGAR.
His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore then delivered the ASEAN Common Statement as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, which focused on redressing adverse impacts of COVID-19 through sustainable and comprehensive recovery; valued India’s commitment in respecting principles of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative; reaffirmed India’s commitment to a rules-based multilateral system; supported enhanced cooperation in key areas; and promoted a rules-based order in accordance with international law.
Source: Radio Television Brunei