Opening the 18th ASEAN Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center here on Saturday, the head of state reminded the world of fluctuations in food prices and energy which tend to continuously increase on international markets.
"Food security is posing a big challenge to ASEAN and therefore, effective and real cooperation among ASEAN member countries is badly needed in prioritizing a guarantee to provide supplies for the people," he said.
One of the steps toward this end, the president said the implementation of integrated food security framework in a more comprehensive manner in the field of research and development as well as investment in food was seen as a must, he said.
In addition, Yudhoyono said ASEAN should give more attention to formulating food supply system which may help farmers get rid of poverty.
In his capacity as ASEAN Chairman in 2011, also reminded the ASEAN member countries of the importance to overcome energy security problems.
ASEAN, according to him, should arrive at a innovative solution by finding new energy resources required to increase energy supply, thus reducing energy consumption which may leave a negative impact on the environment.
The use of renewable energy should be attempted by applying ASEAN energy efficiency and conversation program for which economic and social development in member countries could be accelerated.
For that purpose, ASEAN needed to strengthen regional cooperation in developing renewable and alternative energy including the development of hydro-power and geo-thermal energy. "Hence we have to develop the energy research and development center in our region," Yudhoyono said.
"History has shown that a rise in food and energy prices will directly increase the number of poor people. In the meantime, we really understand and feel that reducing poverty is not as easy as it seems," the head of state said.(*)
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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
