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July
Indonesia Pushes for ASEAN-New Zealand Cooperation to Address Development Challenges in the Pacific
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOINews, Jakarta - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi urged ASEAN and New Zealand to strengthen cooperation in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, including the Pacific region.
The statement was made by Foreign Minister Retno during the ASEAN - New Zealand Post Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 56 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, on Thursday (13/7) in Jakarta.
In the meeting, Foreign Minister Retno welcomed the signing of the ASEAN - Australia - New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) amendment.
Regarding stability in the Pacific, Foreign Minister Retno stated that the stability of the Pacific region is an integral part of stability in the Indo-Pacific. She stated that ASEAN must assist the Pacific countries in facing various development challenges, including climate change and maritime issues.
Therefore, ASEAN and New Zealand must strengthen cooperation to uphold strategic trust in the region and uphold international law, including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"We hope that New Zealand will continue to support the centrality of ASEAN in shaping the regional order and promoting collaboration in the Pacific," Foreign Minister Retno said.
"We must ensure concrete cooperation that is in line with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)," she added.
Minister Retno also expects New Zealand to play a role in bridging ASEAN cooperation in the Pacific, including on the plan for cooperation between the secretariats of ASEAN and the Pacific Island Forum (PIF).
During the meeting, ASEAN countries emphasized the strengthening of cooperation in the fields of economy, maritime affairs, and marine issues, fulfilling commitments to the Paris Agreement, counter-terrorism cooperation, and combating human trafficking. They also expect New Zealand to support ASEAN's common position on the South China Sea.
The ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific was adopted by the ASEAN-New Zealand Foreign Ministers in the meeting, highlighting the importance of inclusive collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. (VOI/Andy)
July
PMC, India Meeting Discuss Food Security and Indo-Pacific Stability
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized the importance of strengthening food security cooperation between ASEAN countries and India. According to her, the population growth of ASEAN and India is highly dependent on food security.
"Therefore, we must encourage investment to ensure food availability, access and affordability in times of crisis," she said at the opening of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Meeting (PMC) with India, in Jakarta, Thursday (13/7).
According to Retno, ASEAN-India cooperation should focus on establishing sustainable food supply chains through barrier-free trade, dialogue, and transparent government policies.
"We also encourage long-term collaboration in agricultural technology and research systems to increase local food production while benefiting small-scale farmers," Retno said.
Another thing Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized was creating peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
"We appreciate India's continued support to the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and I invite India to take part in the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum, an avenue for public-private dialogue to generate tangible cooperation," she said.
Retno said all parties have the responsibility to maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. According to her, India and ASEAN can be part of this effort including from mini-lateral cooperation groups.
"Against this backdrop, ASEAN will engage the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in the East Asia Summit (EAS) to build a more inclusive regional architecture," she said. (VOI/Andy)
July
Canadian Minister Joly To Attend ASEAN Meetings in Indonesia
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOINews, Jakarta - Canada is further strengthening its long-lasting partnership with ASEAN and contributing to our mutual interests in security, economic prosperity and sustainable development.
For more than four decades, Canada has a robust cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member states.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on Thursday announced that she will be traveling to Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 13 to 15, 2023, to attend the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings.
On July 13, Minister Joly will participate in the ASEAN-Canada Post Ministerial Conference with ASEAN Foreign Ministers to advance shared priorities.
Minister Joly will discuss with her counterparts key issues, such as regional stability, respect for the rules-based international order, inclusive economic growth, and mitigating climate change.
She will also take the opportunity to provide an update on the progress of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy implementation in the region, highlighting its alignment with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
“Over the years, Canada and ASEAN have forged a remarkable, mutually beneficial partnership built on trust, shared values, and on being there when it matters. At a time when the impact of climate change is accelerating and geopolitical competition continues to rise, Canada is elevating its engagement with ASEAN as we strive for a future that is prosperous, resilient, secure, and inclusive for all of our people.” Mélanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs said in a release received by VOINews on Thursday.
On July 14, Minister Joly will attend the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum to exchange views on pressing regional peace and security issues.
Key topics of discussion will include tensions in the East and South China Seas, the Myanmar crisis, the continued threats posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s (North Korea) nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
"The Minister will reiterate Canada’s steadfast support for ASEAN centrality in addressing regional challenges with international partners to uphold a free, open, stable, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific," the release stated. (VOI)
July
Foreign Minister Encourages Dialogue and Collaboration at Indonesia-Russia-China Trilateral Meeting
Written by Nur Yasmin
VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesia opens itself to communication and discussion with partner countries, while hoping to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the world.
"In all dialogues, Indonesia is always consistent in upholding international law and all values and principles of the UN Charter," Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said during a trilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Director of the Communist Party of China Office of the Central Foreign Commission Wang Yi, in Jakarta, Wednesday (12/7).
On that occasion, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi also encouraged the importance of dialogue and collaboration, especially when the world is facing challenges today.
"Of course I will take advantage of today's meeting to discuss what we can do together for world peace, prosperity, and stability," she said.
The Indonesia-Russia-China Trilateral Meeting was also utilized by the Indonesian Foreign Minister to discuss a number of issues related to ASEAN.
"I look forward to hearing and discussing with you," she concluded. (VOI/Andy)