VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

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)