ASEAN foreign ministers reached the agreement during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat (AMM Retreat) held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Friday (Jan 18), the ministry noted in a written statement released on Saturday.
At the ASEAN Retreat, the ASEAN foreign ministers discussed cooperation programs and priorities of ASEAN under the chairmanship of Thailand for 2019 based on the theme "Advancing Partnership for Sustainability."
In line with the theme, the AMM Retreat discussed a wide range of issues related to sustainable development, climate change, and connectivity.
In an effort to address various challenges related to sustainable development, the ASEAN foreign ministers agreed to encourage complementary and close cooperation to achieve the vision of ASEAN Community 2025 and the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
They also discussed the process of developing the ASEAN Community, including the effort to increase the public`s knowledge of ASEAN.
For its part, the ASEAN will set up the Network of ASEAN Association to improve public awareness of ASEAN in all member states by involving academics and social organizations.
During the discussion, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi underscored the importance of involving millennials in the efforts to strengthen the process of developing the ASEAN Community.
The move is expected to not only improve their awareness but also encourage them to be part of the ASEAN Community, she noted.
"One of Indonesia`s ways to improve care for the ASEAN among the younger generations and millennials is electing an ASEAN Young Envoy every year," she added.
Reporting by Yuni Arisandy Sinaga, Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
