Indonesia endeavored to facilitate the ASEAN to work in a fast, solid, effective, and efficient manner.Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the new building of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat on Sisingamangaraja Street, Jakarta, on Thursday.
"Indonesia has endeavored to facilitate the ASEAN to work in a fast, solid, effective, and efficient manner. Based on that thought, we construct this building," Jokowi remarked in his inauguration speech at the main hall of the new ASEAN Secretariat building.
According to Jokowi, the new ASEAN Secretariat building has reflected the new spirit of the ASEAN and voiced his aspirations of it facilitating the regional group to work efficiently.
Related news: ASEAN Secretariat construction to be completed in March 2019
"I hope that most ASEAN activities would be conducted in this building. It can cut travel spending, and the fund can be utilized for other activities," the president added.
Jokowi arrived at the main hall of the ASEAN Secretariat at 7 a.m. local time in the company of Foreign Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.
The new ASEAN Secretariat building comprises two 16-storey towers connected by a 41.3 meter-long overpass.
The president symbolically handed over the building's key to ASEAN Secretariat General Lim Jock Hoi to mark the inauguration of the new building.
ASEAN members comprise Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
Related news: ASEAN Secretariat, ASEANSAI and AIPA joint seminar promotes accountability
Related news: ASEAN Secretariat HQ declared 100 pct smoke-free building
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Bayu Prasetyo, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
