ASEAN will remain the pillar of Indonesian foreign policy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia under the leadership of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is eager to increase its contribution and leadership both at regional and global levels in the next five years, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.

"The next five years will be hectic period for Indonesian diplomacy and foreign policy," she said on Tuesday.

Related news: Indonesia's diplomacy on the right track: MPR Chairman

Indonesia is a non-permanent ,member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2019-2020 period.

Related news: Indonesia highlights role of 10 elected UNSC countries

During its UNSC presidency lin June 2019, Indonesia highlighted world peace maintenance efforts. But in 2020, Indonesia will focus on counter-terrorism efforts

Related news: Indonesia's foreign policy prioritizes economic diplomacy

In addition, Indonesia will also play a role as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2020-2022 period.

The priority programs that Indonesia will encourage in the UNHRC are the promotion and protection of human rights at regional and global levels, the strengthening of synergic parttnership to implement human rights national action plans for the 2020-2024 period.

Indonesian will also encourage the UNHRC to become more efficient, effective, objective, transparent, fair, non-political and impartial and open dialogs for all sides.

Related news: Taking a closer look at Indonesia's chances at UNHRC By Yuni Arisandy

At a regional level, Indonesia will assume the post of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairman in 2023.

"ASEAN will remain the pillar of Indonesian foreign policy," she said.

After ASEAN member states have adopted ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific during the 34th ASEAN Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, last June, Indonesia will make sure that the cooperation will be realized.

Indonesia also plans to host an ASEAN infrastructure and connectivity forum related to Indo-Pacific in 2020, she said.

Related news: Marsudi calls to end hatred against Islam at OIC meeting

Related news: Minister Marsudi, UN envoy hold discussion on Rohingya repatriation

Translator: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani/Suhar
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019