Jakarta (ANTARA) - US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ support for Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN and for Indonesia’s role as country coordinator for U.S.-ASEAN dialogue relations.

Blinken reiterated the support during a telephonic conversation with Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi on Thursday (February 16), the Office of Spokesperson for the US Department of State noted in a statement issued by the US Embassy in Jakarta on Friday.

During the phone call, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Marsudi discussed Indonesia’s ASEAN priorities for 2023, including ASEAN’s approach to addressing the crisis in Myanmar as well as the subsequent steps for Timor-Leste’s accession to the ASEAN.

Blinken emphasized ASEAN’s role in shaping a free and open Indo-Pacific and highlighted cooperation with ASEAN as a means of achieving prosperity and security.

Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Marsudi also discussed the US-Indonesia Strategic Partnership, new initiatives under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, and Indonesia’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.

Blinken also commended Indonesia’s leadership on the issue of women and girls’ education in Afghanistan.

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Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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