ASEAN-Japan Partnership Is Solution to Maintain Peace, Stability, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi attends the second session of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation adopting a theme “Partners for Peace and Stability & Regional and International Peace”, at the Okura Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, Sunday (12/17). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo emphasized the importance of stability and peace to encourage ASEAN as a center for economic growth.

The statement was made by the President on the second session of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation adopting a theme “Partners for Peace and Stability & Regional and International Peace”, at the Okura Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, Sunday (12/17).

According to him, ASEAN has huge potential to become the world’s center of growth with its economic growth of 4.5 percent which is the highest growth among other regions. In addition, ASEAN has the third-largest population in the world whose half of its population is under 30.

“However, the potential will be in vain if we cannot maintain stability and peace. Thus, ASEAN-Japan partnership must become a solution to maintain stability and peace,” he said.

Moreover, the President also conveyed three measures to maintain stability and peace. The first is inclusive collaboration where the Indo-Pacific region will be considered as a potential for cooperation that supports peace.

“Therefore, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and other inclusive collaboration initiatives need to be encouraged. I welcome the plan for the Trilateral Mechanism Summit between Japan, China, and South Korea as a form of habit of dialogue that needs to continue to be fostered,” the President said.

The second measure is to respect the rules of international law. The President said that the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine and the conflict in Ukraine were the result of violation of international law.

“We must prevent open conflict in the region by complying with international laws and regulations including the UNCLOS 1982 and regional norms,” he said.

Meanwhile, the third measure is to strengthen ASEAN’s centrality as an anchor of regional peace and stability. Therefore, Japan’s support as the ASEAN partner is needed to resolve the Myanmar issue through the troika mechanism.

President Jokowi expressed belief that joint efforts of ASEAN and Japan will be fruitful in maintaining common stability, security, and prosperity in the region.

“Let’s continue to strengthen collaboration and cooperation for the prosperity and welfare of our people,” President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RAS/LW)