Indonesia hopes ASEAN will become pioneer of regional stability

Illustrative image (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo said at the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits that ASEAN can really become the pioneer of stability and prosperity in the region.

President Widodo emphasized that 2021 is not an easy year for ASEAN as great power competition is becoming more and more intense. Therefore, the High-Level Task Force on Developing an ASEAN Vision After 2025 should also discuss recommendations to strengthen ASEAN, he said.

He highly appreciated the support of ASEAN leaders for the ASEAN Vision After 2025 of Jakarta.

On the issue of Myanmar, President Widodo expressed optimism that ASEAN would be able to help Myanmar out of the current political crisis.

Regarding the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), the Indonesian President said that the AOIP has very clear principles and now is the time for the parties to pay attention to the specific contents of cooperation in the development.
 
In 2023, Indonesia will host the Indo-Pacific infrastructure cooperation forum. President Widodo expressed his hope that the parties will continue to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the AOIP./.

VNA