Jakarta – President Jokowi officially opened the 43rd ASEAN Summit or Summit. The activity took place on Tuesday (5/9) in the Jakarta Convention Center Area, Jakarta
In his remarks, President Joko Widodo considered that ASEAN would not be divided. As chairman of ASEAN, he believes that ASEAN unity can be well maintained.
“As a family and as Chair of ASEAN, I emphasize that the unity of ASEAN is still well maintained,” said President Jokowi.
According to President Jokowi, unity is harmony in differences, including differences of opinion. Because differences of opinion actually nourish democracy and show that we as a family have an equal position.
“Equality is actually the main value that we respect and uphold together in the framework of unity and togetherness so that ASEAN’s big ship can continue to move forward,” the President added.
The President reminded Indonesia that the world is not currently doing well. But he believes that ASEAN has committed not to become a proxy for any power.
“Don’t make our ship ASEAN an arena of rivalries that destroy each other, but make our ship a field to grow cooperation, create prosperity, stability and peace, not only for the region but also for the world,” said the President.
He also invited all countries and ASEAN Partners to be able to work together in the spirit of mutually beneficial equality.
“The world’s oceans are too wide to be sailed alone, on our way there will be other ships. ASEAN partner ships, let’s together realize equal and mutually beneficial cooperation to sail together towards the epicenter of growth,” said President Jokowi.
The 43rd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will take place in Jakarta on 5-7 September 2023 aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation with member countries and the Indo-Pacific region.
Previously, the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu) of the Republic of Indonesia Retno Marsudi said that in the midst of an unfavorable global situation, ASEAN must have the capacity to face the challenges ahead. The organization must be able to make decisions in emergency situations.
“Therefore, the ASEAN Concord is planned to be decided as the foundation for the organization’s long-term vision for 2045. This foundation will continue to be built during Indonesia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023,” said Retno.
Retno also said that the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) considered Southeast Asia to be one of the drivers of world economic growth.
“ASEAN is rated by the OECD as the region with the best economic opportunities. We must continue to maintain this positive situation. To become a center of economic growth, of course ASEAN must be more resilient in facing shocks,” he said
