Indonesian President Joko Widodo speaks at the plenary session of the ongoing virtual 37th ASEAN Summit on November 12. (Photo: AFP/VNA)Jakarta (VNA) - IndonesianPresident Joko Widodo applauded the release of the Statement on the ASEAN TravelCorridor Arrangement (TCA) at the plenary session of the ongoing virtual 37th ASEAN Summit on November 12.
Joko Widodo affirmed the TCA should be implemented immediately and called onthe ASEAN Coordinating Council and other ASEAN agencies to coordinate in realisingit quickly and effectively. The TCA was proposed by the Indonesian leader atthe 36th ASEAN Summit held on June 26.
According to the President, ASEAN also needs to immediately implement atemporary "quick lane" and medical protocols to be applied for immigration,using the integrated digital platforms in the region to define locations ofentry, and developing strict regulations on medical protocols.
Expressing his hope that the TCA could come into operation in the first quarterof next year, President Joko Widodo said that the deal would reinforceconfidence that regional economic activities will gradually be resumed by strictlyadopting medical procedures.
He also expressed optimism thatthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be signed at this summitafter about 8 years of negotiations.
"We have to prove that this enormous economic integration will benefit ourpeople," he said.
The President stressed ASEAN's role in maintaining regional peace and stability,saying ASEAN needs to stay firm, maintain balance, and continue to convey themessage of strengthening win-win cooperation.
He emphasised the importance of partners respecting the Treaty of Amity andCooperation in Southeast Asia and international law, including the 1982 UnitedNations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
President Joko Widodo affirmed that with the strong commitment to promotinginclusive cooperation, ASEAN would play a central role in boosting regionalcollaboration./.
VNA
