ASEAN–Canada to Establish Strategic Partnership, Strengthen Food Security

President Jokowi Wednesday (09/06) meets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and ASEAN leaders before ASEAN-Canada Summit, in JCC, Jakarta. (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

ASEAN-Canada Summit has been held on Wednesday (09/06) in Cendrawasih 3 Room, Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi elaborated that the meeting has resulted in two cooperation agreements.

First, ASEAN and Canada have officially established ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership through the ratification of “Joint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership”. Second, the meeting has also adopted the document of “ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crisis”.

“The ASEAN-Canada Summit has resulted in two agreements, first is the establishment of ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership, and the second is cooperation in the field of food security,” Retno explained.

Furthermore, Retno mentioned that during the meeting, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau conveyed an increase in the trade ratio between ASEAN and Canada.

“PM Trudeau conveyed that the trade between ASEAN and Canada, with the intensified relations between ASEAN and Canada, showed an increase of 29 percent,” Retno added.

The Foreign Minister went on by saying that all leaders attending the meeting expected that ASEAN-Canada cooperation would overcome various challenges.

“All leaders expressed their hope that ASEAN-Canada cooperation could strengthen peace and stability in the region. This was once again highlighted. Then, it was also expected to be able to overcome various challenges, especially ones related to food, energy, and climate change,” the Minister explained. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (AY/MUR)