"The minister will convey Indonesias priorities for 2016. The focus we want to develop is the importance of unity in the ASEAN," Director of Dialogue Partner and ASEAN regional cooperation Derry Aman said here, Thursday.
According to him, the Indonesian government believes unity in the ASEAN is necessary to address regional and global challenges.
"We cannot deny that the challenge for the ASEAN community is growing, both regionally and globally, in economic, environmental, and other sectors," Derry remarked.
He stated that unity among the ASEAN member countries would create peace and security in the Southeast Asian region.
"The unity of the ASEAN will hopefully lead to security and peace. With this in place, every member will have the opportunity to develop their nation," Derry noted.
The AMM Retreat in Laos aims to discuss future ASEAN programs. On the occasion, the Indonesian foreign minister will also speak about some fundamental issues that are of interest to Indonesia, as part of the ASEAN.
"The ASEAN Community should be beneficial for Indonesia. All initiatives by the ASEAN must have concrete benefits for the Indonesian people," Derry said.
One of the issues to be raised by the foreign minister is the protection of migrant workers.
"We will continue to remind everyone of the importance of the protection of migrant workers in the ASEAN region," Derry added.
Other issues that will be raised by the Indonesian government at the AMM retreat are cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism as well as ASEAN maritime cooperation, including the handling of illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing activities.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
