President Jokowi Calls on Japan to Contribute More in Funding ASEAN Infrastructure
President Jokowi accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi, and Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin at the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit, at JCC, Jakarta, Wednesday (09/06)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo opened the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit, at Jakarta Convention Centre, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday (09/06).
During the meeting, President Jokowi called on Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida to contribute more in funding infrastructure development in ASEAN, especially in green connectivity and infrastructure sectors.
“ASEAN needs investment in infrastructure amounting to USD184 billion per year. ASEAN hopes that Japan could make more contribution in ASEAN Infrastructure Fund and ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility to support green connectivity and infrastructure sectors,” said the President.
The President mentioned that ASEAN and Japan have agreed to build strategic comprehensive partnership and to realize it in concrete cooperation that gives mutual benefit.
“Japan as one of the most active partners of ASEAN and major supporter of ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific can be a major contributor in realizing a concrete cooperation that gives benefit to the people,” he added.
Furthermore, President Jokowi emphasized that it is important for ASEAN and Japan to maintain a stable security condition and improve the people’s welfare in the region.
“Geographically, Japan and ASEAN are part of Asia, it is our home, it is where we grow up and live. Therefore, we have a big responsibility to maintain our region as a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, PM Fumio Kishida in his remarks affirmed Japan’s support for ASEAN’s centrality and unity. Besides, Japan also supports ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) mainstreaming.
“I hope that we both could closely cooperate, so more countries could give their empathy on this,” PM Kishida expressed his hope.
PM Kishida also explained that at ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF), Japan has announced Comprehensive Initiative on Japan-ASEAN Connectivity. According to him, Japan will support ASEAN in a number of cooperation areas, among others, energy transition, climate change and the environment, and sustainable economy.
“We will also support the realization of sustainable economic center in digital innovation in the region, and support the establishment of ASEAN Emergency Center for Public Health and Infectious Diseases, so it can be operated soon,” PM Kishida affirmed. (MAY/UN)(AW/MUR)
