"The key points are coordination and unity. Without them, we will not be able to fight it because terrorism has no state, no laws, and is not tied to a country. Hence, we must be united there," Wiranto stated.
Vientiane (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto has highlighted the importance of ASEAN coordination to fight terrorism and extremism.

"The key points are coordination and unity. Without them, we will not be able to fight it because terrorism has no state, no laws, and is not tied to a country. Hence, we must be united there," Wiranto stated at the Vientiane National Convention Center, Tuesday.

Wiranto attended the 14th ASEAN Political and Security Council Meeting. Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi and ministers from nine other ASEAN member countries were also present at the meeting.

The minister considered the meeting productive, and Indonesia presented inputs on terrorism financing gathered during a recent meeting in Bali.

In addition to discussing counterterrorism, the ASEAN ministers also spoke on issues related to the South China Sea and international crimes.

"The results will be presented as part of a statement of the chairman," Wiranto noted.

Lutfi Rauf, deputy in charge of international cooperation at the office of the coordinating minister for political, legal, and security affairs, stated that Indonesia reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region.

"The point is self-retraint and no provocation," Rauf affirmed.

Wiranto and Marsudi are among the members of President Joko Widodos entourage attending the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits being held here until Thursday.

The 28th ASEAN Summit will discuss ASEAN Community building efforts, especially the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the way forward, while the 29th ASEAN Summit will focus on discussing ASEANs external relations and future direction as well as the exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern.

In addition, the 19th ASEAN-China Summit to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-China dialog relations, the 19th ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 18th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit, the 19th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the First ASEAN-Australia Summit, the 8th ASEAN-UN Summit, the 14th ASEAN-India Summit, the 4th ASEAN-United States of America Summit, and the 11th East Asia Summit, are being held at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane on Sept. 6-8.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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