We must not be a passive audience that`s volatile towards global problems"Nusa Dua (ANTARA News) - ASEAN is able to contribute positively to the global community, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here on Thursday when opening the 19th ASEAN Summit at the Bali Nusa DUa Convention Center (BNDCC).
"ASEAN now has become a more mature organization able to create stability and security in the region while also improve its economy and people to people relations. With such asset, I believe ASEAN can contribute positively to the global community," Yudhoyono said.
The president said there were several steps that need to be taken next in order to realize ASEAN`s dream to outreach the world. First, he said, ASEAN need to take concrete steps to strengthen the three pillars of ASEAN Community namely economic, security and socio-cultural.
"Development in ASEAN must involve every elements in the region. ASEAN must be an organization that`s more people-oriented," he said.
The president reminded ASEAN member states to strengthen economic growth in the region. "Economic growth will make ASEAN more resilient towards the volatility of the global economy. Our strength in economic sector is also expected to be able to create a more balanced global economy," he said.
Yudhoyono also emphasized the need for ASEAN to continuously develop connectivity in the region. With a more effective connection, he said, the trade and investment sector in the region was expected to be improved.
The president also reminded ASEAN to maintain cooperation with partnering countries through mechanisms such as ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, ASEAN Defense Ministerial Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum.
"The world is getting more connected now, therefore ASEAN need to be in the forefront and play a greater role in the world community. We must not be a passive audience that`s volatile towards global problems," he said.(*)
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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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