Don’t Let ASEAN Become ‘Proxy’, President Jokowi Says

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi delivers press statement at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Friday (02/03) (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi announced that ASEAN foreign ministers will kick off a series of meetings under Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship.

“Foreign ministers of ASEAN countries will have a number of meetings including the one that takes place this afternoon, namely working lunch, which will discuss Myanmar’s issue. The lunch will be followed with ASEAN Coordinating Council, and Retreat (the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat) tomorrow,” the Minister told reporters at the Presidential Office, Jakarta.

She added that the series of ASEAN foreign ministerial meeting is the first high-level meeting held under Indonesia’s Chairmanship. During a courtesy call paid by ministers of ASEAN countries and ASEAN Secretary-General earlier this morning, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo mentioned two points of note.

“First, ASEAN should not become a proxy of any parties. The President underscored the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s centrality and unity since it is the main capital of ASEAN. He also stressed on the importance of respect for the democratic principles of international law, human rights, in accordance with the ASEAN Charter,” Retno said.

Furthermore, the President also asserted that the Five-Point Consensus will remain the main mechanism for ASEAN to address the development of Myanmar’s issue. ASEAN, he added, should also become the epicentrum of growth amidst the bleak outlook of current global economy as long as we are able to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Retno went on to say that during the courtesy call, the foreign ministers delivered their highest appreciation to President Jokowi for the directives. They also affirmed support to Indonesia’s Chairmanship.

“A number of foreign ministers of ASEAN countries including Laos as the upcoming chair also delivered their points of view. Secretary-General of ASEAN also made statement and so did the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Thailand. In general, they expressed readiness to support Indonesia’s Chairmanship,’ she remarked. (ST/DNS) (RAS/MUR)