Jakarta – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) called on the United States to jointly create a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region through practical and inclusive cooperation.
So said President Joko Widodo while presiding over the 11th ASEAN-US Summit held at Cendrawasih Room 3, Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), DKI Jakarta, on Wednesday ( 06/09/2023).
“ASEAN has agreed to continue fulfilling its function as the engine of regional peace and stability, where the Indo-Pacific must become a platform for collaboration. Therefore, ASEAN invites the United States to become a positive force in creating a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific through concrete and inclusive cooperation,” the president said.
According to the President, the strong commitment of ASEAN and the United States to the maintenance of regional peace and stability will have a positive impact on the partnership of the two parties, especially in the economic field.
At the meeting attended by ASEAN leaders and US Vice President (Wapres) Kamala Harris, President Joko Widodo said Southeast Asia is a very promising region. In 2045, this region is expected to become the heart of international trade and contribute 5.4 percent to the world’s gross domestic product or GDP.
“A strong and lasting partnership between ASEAN and the United States will of course benefit not only ASEAN but also the United States. However, this partnership will only be achieved if there is a strong commitment from both parties in for the maintenance of regional peace and stability,” he said.
Meanwhile, US Vice President (Wapres) Kamala Harris said in her speech that the United States has a long-term commitment to Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
“We are proud of the might of the Pacific, and the American people care deeply about the future of the Indo-Pacific. We share historical ties and the same values with many people and nations here,” said Kamala Harris. .
Additionally, Kamala Harris said that ASEAN is central to US engagement in the Indo-Pacific. As the United States’ strategy for the Indo-Pacific makes clear, he continued, the United States is also committed to the central role of ASEAN.
“I am pleased that our collective vision for the Indo-Pacific is so strongly aligned. We have a common commitment to international rules and standards,” he said.
The President was accompanied by Coordinating Minister (Menko) of Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy, Coordinating Minister of Politics, Law and Security (Polhukam) Mahfud MD, Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu) Retno LP Marsudi, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno and Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Pratikno.
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