VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo highlighted strengthening economic integration and stability in the region at the 2nd ASEAN-Australia Annual Summit.

ASEAN and Australia will sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (RCEP) on Sunday.

However, according to the President, the next challenge is strengthening political commitment so that RCEP can be implemented.

President Joko Widodo raised two main issues while attending virtually the 2nd ASEAN-Australia summit. The first issue is strengthening the economic integration efforts of the two parties.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said after the meeting that President Joko Widodo conveyed the negotiation trip for the ASEAN-Australia Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which was not easy and took a long time.

The President appreciated Australia's constructive role so that the RCEP could be signed a day after the 2nd ASEAN-Australia Annual Summit.

However, according to Retno, President Joko Widodo said that there were still challenges that would be faced by the two parties after the RCEP was signed.

"The next challenge is the implementation of RCEP itself which certainly requires a high political commitment and must be beneficial for all. The President is confident that RCEP will be a catalyst for economic recovery in the region and even in the world," Retno said.

Furthermore, on this occasion, President Joko Widodo also encouraged the creation of stability and security in the region.

According to Retno, President Joko Widodo underlined the importance of stability in the region which will become the foundation for efforts to recover the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The President said that the stability and security of the region are the foundation for efforts to recover the post-pandemic economy. The President also hopes that all countries comply with international law including the 1982 UNCLOS and these principles must be echoed by all," she said.

In addition, President Joko Widodo also highlighted Australia's important role in the region.

According to Retno, Australia is an important partner for cooperation in implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo Pacific. (VOI)