The statement was conveyed by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L. P. Marsudi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Friday (Jan 18).
"Indonesia welcomes the contribution and input of ASEAN members, who have enriched the ASEAN Indo-Pacific concept. Amid the regional dynamics, the concept of ASEAN Indo-Pacific cooperation will strengthen ASEAN`s centrality in contributing to sustainable regional stability and prosperity," the foreign minister stated.
Various advancements have been made in the discussion of the Indo-Pacific concept by ASEAN member countries.
The Indo-Pacific concept is expected to be agreed upon at the upcoming ASEAN Summit.
Minister Marsudi had earlier called on ASEAN member countries and their partners to jointly develop the concept of Indo-Pacific cooperation.
"Indonesia, along with ASEAN member countries, invites all partners to continue to develop the concept of Indo-Pacific cooperation," the minister remarked.
The Indonesian government believes that the ASEAN should become proactive in addressing strategic developments and changes in the region.
The ASEAN must always be a driver of change in the region, including the Indo-Pacific region.
"For Indonesia, the two oceans -- Pacific and Indian Oceans -- are a Single Geo-Strategic Theater. We need to maintain stability, security, and prosperity in the Indian and Pacific Oceans," the minister remarked.
The minister stressed that Indonesia had invited all ASEAN member countries and their partners to jointly ensure that the Indian and Pacific Oceans would not become a region to seize natural resources nor lead to territorial disputes and competition to attain maritime supremacy.
"In that context, Indonesia develops the concept of Indo-Pacific cooperation," the foreign minister added.
Reporting by Yashinta, Aziz K
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
