Hanoi (VNA) - The best way for ASEAN to approachthe East Sea issue and the finalisation of the Code of Conduct (COC) is throughone voice as a group, said former Foreign Minister of Indonesia, MartyNatalegawa on June 26.
The former minister was speaking to Malaysia’s Bernama newsagency and Malaysian public broadcaster RTM after the launch of his book, “DoesASEAN Matter? A View from Within” on the sidelines of the 33rd Asia-PacificRoundtable, which ended on June 26.
On his publication, Natalegawa said he shares his personalthoughts on what remains to be done on ASEAN, rather than celebrating ASEAN’spasts.
The 258-page book was published at the end of 2018 in Singapore by ISEASpublishing. It was previously launched in several ASEAN member countries likeSingapore and Thailand.
Natalegawa, who served in the position from 2009 to 2014, stressed that it isimportant for the 10-nation regional body to be united even as member statesmight have different interests in the issue.
“We must solidify that position so that in talks with China on the code ofconduct, we are coherent and united,” he stated
The former Indonesian permanent representative to the United Nations from2007-2009 noted that ASEAN is stronger, and will continue to remain relevant,when unity is maintained.
“All of us (should), constantly speak of unity. It has to be proven, has to bedemonstrated. And whenever divisions occur, there has to be serious efforts torestore unity,” he said.-VNA
The former minister was speaking to Malaysia’s Bernama newsagency and Malaysian public broadcaster RTM after the launch of his book, “DoesASEAN Matter? A View from Within” on the sidelines of the 33rd Asia-PacificRoundtable, which ended on June 26.
On his publication, Natalegawa said he shares his personalthoughts on what remains to be done on ASEAN, rather than celebrating ASEAN’spasts.
The 258-page book was published at the end of 2018 in Singapore by ISEASpublishing. It was previously launched in several ASEAN member countries likeSingapore and Thailand.
Natalegawa, who served in the position from 2009 to 2014, stressed that it isimportant for the 10-nation regional body to be united even as member statesmight have different interests in the issue.
“We must solidify that position so that in talks with China on the code ofconduct, we are coherent and united,” he stated
The former Indonesian permanent representative to the United Nations from2007-2009 noted that ASEAN is stronger, and will continue to remain relevant,when unity is maintained.
“All of us (should), constantly speak of unity. It has to be proven, has to bedemonstrated. And whenever divisions occur, there has to be serious efforts torestore unity,” he said.-VNA
VNA
