We continue to work in the remaining term of our government."Nay Pyi Taw (ANTARA ) - The member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian ations (ASEAN) have completed about 70 percent of their preparations to face the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), stated President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
"The progress made so far is relatively good. All the members have completed over 70 percent of the preparations. But, we have to work hard to complete it in the remaining 1.5 years, so that all the members are ready on time," President Yudhoyono informed the press before he left for Indonesia here on Monday.
He remarked that the ASEAN leaders had held comprehensive discussions on the preparations of the ASEAN members to face the AEC at the end of 2015, particularly after they had heard a progress report on the AEC preparations by the ASEAN secretary general.
"The secretary general delivered a progress report on the three pillars (politics, security, and socio-economic culture)," he added.
With regard to the preparations made by Indonesia as a member that plays an important role in the region, the President affirmed that Indonesia will continue to work hard, particularly in the remaining term of the current government of the Indonesia United Cabinet II, to complete the required preparations.
"We continue to work in the remaining term of our government. We hope that we can finish all the necessary preparations in the remaining six months," President Yudhoyono noted.
Yudhoyono has made a two-day visit to Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, to attend the 24th ASEAN Summit.
Although they were overshadowed by tensions related to the South China Sea, the ASEAN leaders were able to formulate a commitment towards achieving the AEC goals by 2015.
Several ASEAN leaders, including the current ASEAN chair Myanmar President Thein Sein stressed the importance for Southeast Asian nations to adopt a common outlook and vision.
(Uu.A014/INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
