VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said ASEAN Foreign Ministers will conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of the 5-Point Consensus (5PC). The 5PC is an agreement by ASEAN leaders to respond to the Myanmar crisis consisting of constructive dialogue, cessation of violence, mediation between all parties, provision of humanitarian assistance, and sending an ASEAN delegation to Myanmar.

According to Retno Marsudi, ASEAN can only move forward fully if it can ensure a peaceful solution for Myanmar.

"We still have a lot of work to do, including the situation in Myanmar. Our chairmanship has worked hard to push for a united ASEAN solution," she said at the opening of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings (AMM), at the ASEAN Secretariat Jakarta, Monday (4/9/2023).

She said Indonesia was aware of the many challenges faced in the region. However, according to Retno, these challenges cannot affect the hard work that has been done at the ASEAN Summit.

"The eyes of the community are on us to prove that ASEAN is still important and can contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region," she said.

Retno Marsudi added that over the past nine months, Indonesia has worked hard to achieve progress in the ASEAN community building efforts.

"We have prepared a strong foundation towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 in ASEAN Concord IV," she said.

In addition, she said, ASEAN also continues to lead in shaping regional dynamics and ensuring a peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. This is shown by the increasing number of countries acceding to the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (TAC) and becoming ASEAN partners.

"Today, we will also witness the establishment of Secretariat-to-Secretariat cooperation between ASEAN and IORA (Association of Indian Ocean Coastal States) and PIF (Pacific Islands Forum)," she said.

According to her, this shows the strength of ASEAN in uniting ASEAN norms and values. (VOI/Andy)