Foreign Minister: President Jokowi Consistently Delivers Several Messages During 37th ASEAN Summit
Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, on Saturday (14/11), attends the 37th ASEAN Summit from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java. (Photo by: Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has consistently delivered several messages during the 37th ASEAN Summit and other related summits, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said.
“As a wrap-up for the entire 37th ASEAN Summit and other related summits, I can say several things. The President consistently delivered three issues,” Retno said.
First, the President stated on the importance of cooperation in the health sector, both short and long term, namely building regional and world health resilience.
Second, the President encouraged cooperation to overcome economic impact due to the pandemic. “This cooperation is important to be continously pursued in order to improve world economic conditions, of course without sacrificing adherence to health protocols,” she said.
Third, the President spoke on the importance of continous efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region and the world. “This matter continues to be emphasized by the President, considering the rivalry between the great powers is getting sharper. Efforts to deal with the pandemic and its economic impact will be hampered if the issues of peace and stability are not maintained,” the Foreign Minister said.
In addition, Retno added, the issue of ASEAN centrality and solidity was also consistently conveyed by the President during the Summit. Indonesia consistently maintains the centrality and solidity of ASEAN and will continue to do so, she said.
“But we can’t do it alone, we need everyone on board. ASEAN must continue to uphold and implement the principles that have been mutually agreed upon, for example, those in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Do not open up opportunities for any country to bid on these principles. We have to walk the talk,” she said.
The President, she said, also expressed hope that all countries should comply with international law including UNCLOS 1982. “The importance of strengthening multilateralism was also emphasized in the President’s speech. Multilateralism that delivers,” she said.
For the record, President Jokowi attended the 37th ASEAN Summit, held on 12-15 November. The President attended the Summit virtually from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java. (SLN/UN)
Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti
