"We must provide social protection in anticipation of economic difficulties that may face the country and its people in the future," President Yudhoyono said.
Vientiane (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has stated that ASEAN member countries and the organisation`s European partners must be ready to face future challenges and should remain adaptable in order to resolve regional problems.

"There are four important sectors that need to be reviewed, namely economy, justice, international peace and security, and environmental sustainability," he said during a plenary session at the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Vientiane, Laos, on Tuesday afternoon.

"In the field of economics, I believe global prosperity can only be achieved when economic growth is experienced by all parties. In the long term, the global economy should grow strongly, inclusively and sustainably," the President noted.

The head of state said national, regional and global measures must be taken simultaneously, with mutual support, during times of crisis.

"Each country should maintain its economic growth, continue to promote trade and investment, help in maintaining global financial stability, minimise layoffs, and maintain price stability," he stated.

"We must provide social protection in anticipation of economic difficulties that may face the country and its people in the future," President Yudhoyono said.

He pointed out that economic growth was as important as poverty eradication and other Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

"In my view, the post-2015 MDG agenda must include at least two things: environmental protection and poverty eradication," the President said.

With regard to peace and security, he added, global measures must be implemented to prevent wars, including civil wars.

"Right now, we are still trying to prevent wars and conflicts that result in civilian casualties. In this area, the United Nations and other regional organizations should strengthen their existing regulations," President Yudhoyono stated.

He expressed hope that countries across the world would cooperate in achieving global environmental sustainability by, among other things, promoting the use of renewable energy.

"Asian and European nations must join hands to tackle climate change by encouraging the use of renewable energy and environmentally friendly vehicles through joint research and technology development," the President said. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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