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Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi addressed the 14th Asia-Europe Ministerial Meeting in Madrid, Spain, on Monday (Dec 16, 2019) ANTARA

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi endorsed the promotion of connectivity and multilateralism at the 14th Asia-Europe Ministerial Conference that began in Madrid, Spain, on Monday (Dec 16).

"Asia and Europe must better promote sustainable connectivity," Marsudi noted in a written statement released on Tuesday.

At the plenary meeting of ASEM foreign ministers, Marsudi put the spotlight on the strategic outlook in creating sustainable connectivity, especially in an era replete with uncertainty.

From ASEAN’s experience, the regional grouping's strategic outlook has helped in creating the ASEAN community related to dialog and cooperation values. The values have laid down the foundation for the initiative of the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP), she remarked.

"Asia and Europe must strengthen the strategic outlook that promotes collaboration, inclusive and open economy, and mutually beneficial paradigm," she stated.

At the retreat session, the Indonesian foreign minister reiterated the significance of maintaining cooperation and the principles of multilateralism to tackle a barrage of global issues, including Palestine and sustainable development goals (SDGs), including palm oil that has aided efforts to purge poverty in Indonesia.

During her visit to Madrid, Marsudi also held bilateral talks with foreign ministers of Austria, Bangladesh, China, and Kazakhstan; ASEAN secretary general; and state secretary of the Swedish prime minister.

The ASEM foreign ministers’ meeting themed “Asia and Europe: Together for Effective Multilateralism” discussed an array of issues encompassing multilateralism, gender equality, counterterrorism, maritime security, and cyber security. (ANTARA)