President Jokowi: ASEAN-US Strategic Comprehensive Partnership to be Part of Solution

President Jokowi joins ASEAN-US Summit attended by ASEAN leaders and US President Joe Biden at Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh, on Saturday (11/12).(Photo: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat / Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed hope that the ASEAN-US Strategic Comprehensive Partnership recently launched at the ASEAN-US Summit in Cambodia becomes part of the solution to address the daunting challenges posed by the current global situation.

“This partnership is launched when the world is coping with extraordinary challenges. I would like to read the summary of ASEAN Common Sensein which ASEAN-US can contribute to be part of the solution,” the President said in his remarks as the coordinating country for the ASEAN-US Summit dialogue attended by ASEAN leaders and US President Joe Biden at Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh, on Saturday afternoon (11/12).

During the meeting, President Jokowi emphasized three points.

First, encouraging the realization of partnership for regional peace and stability. ASEAN wants the US’s presence in the region to bring positive energy for peace.

“The US’s support for ASEAN centrality must also be turned into action, especially concerning ASEAN’s role as the agenda-setter of the dynamics in the region and the development of an inclusive regional architecture,” the President explained.

Second, building partnership for regional and global security. Policy synergy should be promoted to ensure financial system stability, liquitidy support, and economic policy effectiveness.

“Efforts in building food security must also become a key priority. I hoped that ASEAN and the US can cooperate in enhancing food production capacity, quality seeds development, agricultural technology use, and strengthening strategies of regional food security,” he said.

Third, creating partnership for sustainable future. President Jokowi confirmed ASEAN’s strong commitment to realize sustainable future. For instance, ASEAN will enhance the use of renewable energy up to 23 percent in 2025.

“We appreciate the US’s commitment for clean energy in the region. The ASEAN-US cooperation can be directed to boost investment and low-carbon technology transfer, to open new job opportunities in energy transition, and to create regulation frameworks and conducive financing,” he stated.

Accompanying President Jokowi during the ASEAN-US Summit were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, dan Minister of State Secretary Pratikno. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (AW/MUR)