VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo has consistently delivered a number of messages during the 37th ASEAN Summit and other related summits, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi.

"As a wrap-up of the whole 37th ASEAN Summit and other related summits, I can convey a number of things. The President has consistently delivered three issues," Retno Marsudi said while giving a virtual press statement from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Sunday.

The first message conveyed by the President is the importance of paying attention to cooperation in the health sector, both in short and long terms, in order to develop regional and world health resilience.

The second message is to encourage cooperation to overcome the economic impact of the pandemic. This cooperation is important for recovery of the world economic conditions, without sacrificing adherence to the health protocols against COVID-19 transmission.

The third message is the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world in general. The Foreign Minister said that this matter was emphasized by the President because the rivalries among big powers are getting worse.

"Efforts to deal with pandemics and economic impacts will be hampered if peace and stability are not maintained," the Minister said.

In addition to, President Jokowi also emphasized the issue of ASEAN centrality and solidity during the summits. ASEAN must really implement these principles. Indonesia also consistently maintains ASEAN centrality and solidity and will continue to do so, according to Jokowi.

"We can not do it alone, we need everyone on board. ASEAN must continue to uphold and implement the principles that have been mutually agreed upon, for example, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and not open up opportunities for any country to bid on these principles," the Foreign Minister said.

The President also highlighted other messages regarding respect for international laws, including the 1982 UNCLOS and the importance of strengthening multilateralism.

The 37th ASEAN Summit and other related summits were organized via teleconference from Nov 12 until 15, 2020. (Antaranews)