President Jokowi: India, ASEAN Should Use Their Assets to Support Each Other
President Jokowi accompanied by a number of Indonesian Onward Cabinet attends ASEAN-India Summit, at the IMPACT Forum, Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday (3/11). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR)
During the 16th ASEAN-India Summit convened in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday (3/11) President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his appreciation to India for the support to ASEAN Outlook on Indo Pacific.
“We share similar view with India among other through SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Therefore, President Jokowi also said that India and ASEAN have several same assets, which can be used to support each other,” Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said to reporters after the Summit.
The assets are economic growth, – which India stood at 7 percent while ASEAN is at 5.1 percent -, and population which will reach two billion combined, she added.
In the manifestation of Indo-Pacific concept, India and Indonesia have also agreed to improve connectivity between Indonesia’s Aceh province and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through several efforts, for example commercial vessel expedition that had arrived from Aceh in Port Blair, Andaman, India, and investment on infrastructure to support connectivity.
“Aceh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have established new economic activities considered as a concrete action. The two regions have also established good cooperation, be it on maritime connectivity sector, infrastructure, investment, or trade sectors,” the Minister added.
The Minister added that President Jokowi also asserted that RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) is an important issue for ASEAN and expressed belief India will also see the importance of this issue.
“It is not easy to negotiate with 16 countries but President Jokowi believes RCEP will be mutually beneficial for the peoples of all countries. Thus, he hopes India can cooperate with other countries in completing the RCEP,” Retno said. (SLN/RAH/ES)
Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas
