"To maintain its centrality, ASEAN has no other choice but to use the East Asia Summit as a main platform to discuss this concept," President Joko Widodo or Jokowi as he commonly known said in his address to the session.
Singapore (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo highlighted developments in the concept of Indo-Pacific regional cooperation during the plenary session of the 33rd ASEAN Summit held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center in Singapore on Tuesday night.

"To maintain its centrality, ASEAN has no other choice but to use the East Asia Summit as a main platform to discuss this concept," President Joko Widodo or Jokowi as he commonly known said in his address to the session.

The uncertain condition and big challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region may threaten peace, stability and prosperity with regard to tug of war in the constellation of global force, he said.

The Indonesian leader said ASEAN which is situated in the Indo-Pacific region must be able to serve as an axis, play its role and turn threats into increased cooperation.

"ASEAN must always serve as the engine of peace and welfare. It must be able to change potential threats into cooperation and potential tension into peace," he said.

The Indo-Pacific concept could be developed through increased cooperation which puts emphasis on the principles of transparency and respect for international law, he said.

He said ASEAN needs to develop Indo-Pacific cooperation by emphasizing respect for international law and ASEAN centrality.

He warmly welcomed ASEAN member states` positive responses to the Indo-Pacific concept which is adopted as an ASEAN joint concept.

"I am happy that the draft joint concept has been discussed and God willing it can be agreed upon soon. We also have held informal consultations with ASEAN partner countries," he said.

He added the innovative outlook will direct ASEAN cooperation in the future with the Indo-Pacific region as a pro-strategic center to realize joint development and welfare.

Reporting by Bayu Prasetyo
Editing by Suharto, Sri Haryati

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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