VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta (voinews): President Joko Widodo expressed his appreciation for Singapore's support for Indonesia, which is currently holding the chairmanship of ASEAN. This was conveyed by the President in a joint press statement held after a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, Thursday (16/3) at the Singapore Presidential Palace, via the Presidential Secretariat Youtube channel, which was monitored from Jakarta.

"I express my appreciation for Singapore's support for Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN," said the President.

President Joko Widodo emphasized that one of the priorities of Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN is to maintain the unity and centrality of ASEAN.

"Making ASEAN remain important and relevant to its people and to the world, maintaining ASEAN's unity and centrality so that it remains the engine of peace and stability in the region, and keeps Southeast Asia a center of economic growth," he said.

During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed the commitment of the two countries in resolving issues in the Southeast Asian region.

President Joko Widodo said that Indonesia would push for steps to implement the five-point consensus or five-point agreement of ASEAN leaders in resolving the Myanmar issue.

"Regarding Myanmar, as the chair of ASEAN, Indonesia will push forward the implementation of a five-point consensus regarding engagement with all parties to pave the way for an inclusive national dialogue, then emphasize the importance of reducing tensions and violence, and ensure that humanitarian assistance will reach all parties who need it. ,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong emphasized that Singapore will continue to work with all ASEAN members to push for the full implementation of the five points of the agreement.

"Singapore will continue to work with Indonesia and with ASEAN members, plus ASEAN partners such as the United Nations, to push for full implementation of the five points of agreement," said PM Lee.

In addition, PM Lee said Singapore and Indonesia as well as all ASEAN members would continue to work together to guard Timor-Leste as an ASEAN member.

"We will also work with Indonesia and ASEAN members on the roadmap for Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership, and do our part to help Timor-Leste prepare for the obligations and commitments that will be taken upon joining ASEAN," he said. (VOI/Andy)