Illustrative image Jakarta (VNA) – Strengthening cooperation in protection of migrant workers, regional health architecture, and enhancing development of rural regions are Indonesia’s achievement priorities or deliverables at the 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023 which will be convened in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on May 9-11.
Spokesperson of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Teuku Faizasyah said that the priority issues, in addition to being in line with the Epicentrum of Growth pillar of Indonesia’s 2023 chairmanship, will also strengthen ASEAN’s Socio-Cultural Pillar in general.
Special Staff for Foreign Relations to the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Kusnanto Anggoro, when chairing the 34th meeting of High Officials of the Socio-Cultural Pillar (SOCA) on April 28, emphasised that all ASEAN member states welcomed and agreed to push for the acceleration of Indonesia's deliverables process in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Pillar.
During the 34th SOCA meeting, the issue of disability mainstreaming and enhancing the role of youth also received special attention.
According to Kusnanto, the meeting appreciated the implementation of the ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2023 in Jakarta and hoped that initiatives related to the role of youth would continue to be developed, and noted the plan to hold a High-Level Dialogue on Disability Issues.
At the meeting, Indonesia gave attention and support in preparing Timor Leste to become a member of ASEAN through the Timor Leste civil servant’s internship programme in various Ministries/Institutions in Indonesia. This is a form of Indonesia's commitment to increase Timor Leste's capacity.
The SOCA meeting is a meeting of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Pillar High Officials who meet twice a year to discuss various cross-sectoral issues. This year, Indonesia is the Chair of the meeting.
The Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Pillar (ASCC Council) is slated to take place on May 8 in Bali, chaired by the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs as Chair of the ASCC Council 2023./.
