President Jokowi Calls for Global Unity to Fight COVID-19 Pandemic
President Jokowi delivers his address through video conference during the General Debate of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday (23/9). Photo by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo called on all countries to unite and promote a win-win approach to mutually beneficial relations in the face of COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement was delivered by the President during the General Debate of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly held virtually on Wednesday (23/9).
The President also expressed his concern that poverty, hunger, and lack of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity still exist in various parts of the world during the pandemic.
“We all understand the negative impacts of the pandemic are tremendous, both on health and social economy. We are also aware that the virus knows no boundaries across nations. No one is safe until everyone is,” the President said.
If disunity and rivalries continue to persist, the President added, the foundation of stability and sustainable peace will crumble or even destroyed and a world of peace, stable and prosperous becomes more and more difficult to attain.
On that occasion, the President also said that this year Indonesia celebrated the 75th anniversary of its independence and Indonesia would continue to contribute to world peace, in accordance with the mandate of its constitution.
“Indonesia will continue to play a role as a bridge-builder, as part of the solution. Indonesia continues to carry out this commitment throughout Indonesia’s membership at the UN Security Council,” the President added.
The spirit of cooperation, according to President Jokowi, will continue to be promoted by Indonesia, the spirit which provides mutual benefits to all parties and leave no country behind.
President Jokowi went on to say that the respect for equality was also emphasized by Indonesia’s founding father Soekarno during the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung in 1955 that gave birth to the Ten Principles of Bandung.
“Until now the Ten Principles of Bandung are still relevant, including in peaceful settlement of disputes, promotion of cooperation, and respect for international law,” the President said.
According to the President, Palestine is the only country attending the Bandung Conference that until present has not enjoyed its independence. “Indonesia consistently supports Palestine to gain its rights” the President said.
The President further said that Indonesia, along with other ASEAN member countries, continues to maintain Southeast Asia as a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
“On its 53rd anniversary, 8 August 2020, ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to continue maintaining peace and stability in the region. The same spirit of cooperation and peace was put forward by Indonesia to a wider region, the Indo-Pacific region, through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” the President said. (UN/EN)
Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana
