Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received the symbolic gavel from his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha in Bangkok, Thailand on November 4, 2019. Photo: VGP

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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received the symbolic gavel from his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha in a hand-over ceremony but the chairmanship will formally begin on January 1 next year.

Speaking afterwards, Phuc said as the new chairman, Viet Nam's key priorities include boosting ASEAN solidarity and unity, extensive intra and extra economic connectivity toward sustainable and inclusive development, community sense, and partnership between ASEAN and its partnership.

PM Phuc also unveiled the theme of the ASEAN Chairmanship 2020 - Cohesive and Responsive at the closing ceremony of the 35th ASEAN Summit at the Impact Muang Thong Thani Arena, Exhibition Convention Center.

Viet Nam expects to receive proactive support and assistance from all the ASEAN member States and the bloc's partners so as to help the host realize the chair's theme in 2020./.

By Kim Anh