West Manggarai – The 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, NTT has been officially closed by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that he believes and believes that with unity, ASEAN can face all challenges both globally and in the region.
“As long as there is one key, unity. With unity, ASEAN will be able to become a central player in bringing peace and growth,” said the President.
To note, as the host and Chairman of ASEAN 2023, he succeeded in encouraging the creation of a number of agreements among ASEAN member countries.
At the ASEAN Summit, the heads of state committed to developing a regional electric vehicle ecosystem involving all ASEAN Member Countries that support the adoption of electric vehicles and the improvement of the electric vehicle industry in ASEAN Member Countries.
Declarations by ASEAN leaders also against Transnational Organized Crime as well as cooperation and coordination against the Crime of Trafficking in Persons or TIP.
Previously, Indonesia had succeeded in making a number of agreements and opportunities with ASEAN member countries, in meetings on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, in Labuan Bajo, Tuesday (9/5) revealed a number of agreements. Among other things k that there is an agreement with Vietnam, trying to meet the trade target of USD 15 billion for 2028.
“We are optimistic that this target can be met on condition that all trade restrictions or trade barriers can be reduced if they cannot be completely eliminated,” Retno explained through her official statement.
As is known, in the implementation of the 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023, out of 8 meetings, President Joko Widodo has chaired 7 meetings, while one meeting, namely the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) will be chaired by the Prime Minister Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim because the chairmanship of BIMP-EAGA is currently held by Malaysia.
Meanwhile, ASEAN heads of state expressed their appreciation and praised the implementation of the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo.
They were very impressed with the natural beauty of Labuan Bajo. The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., admitted that this activity was a very good idea to clear his mind after a hard day’s work.
“As promised by President Widodo is we come to the ship and we don’t think too much about the economy and problems, security, and that’s absolutely true, it’s a very good idea to clear your mind so go back to work and refresh,” said the President of the Philippines.
Prince Abdul Mateen from Brunei Darussalam who was also on the ship also admitted that he really enjoyed the trip on the Lako Di’a ship.
“We are happy and this is our first time in Labuan Bajo so we are happy to be on this ship to see a different side of the ASEAN Summit. Yes very good, very relaxing especially after a long day meeting,” said Prince Abdul Mateen.
