Indonesia’s new Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has said President Joko Widodo will mention the concept of “maritime axis”, which relates to the country’s future sea development, at regional and international forums.

After talks with her counterparts from China, Germany and Saudi Arabia in Jakarta on November 4, Retno said Indonesia will utilise upcoming international forums such as the ASEAN Summit in Myanmar, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China and the G20 Summit in Australia, to introduce and explain Joko’s maritime vision.

Apart from mentioning the concept, Indonesia will also prepare the standard procedure and rule of engagement over maritime areas that are yet to be included in any border agreement, she said.

She added that Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for stronger bilateral and regional cooperation to establish maritime connectivity and to facilitate sea lane expansion.

Indonesia boasts over 17,500 islands with coastal areas stretching 92,000 km and abundant marine resources which are estimated to generate 257 billion USD per year.-VNA