VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: President Joko Widodo encouraged the realization of concrete mutually beneficial cooperation between ASEAN and the People's Republic of China (PRC). According to him, China is one of the four ASEAN dialogue partners that has the status of a comprehensive strategic partner.

"We need to interpret all of this by realizing concrete mutually beneficial cooperation which can only be done if we have trust in each other which of course must be built and maintained by all parties," he said in his remarks at the 26th ASEAN-ROK Summit, in Jakarta, Wednesday (6/9/2023).

According to the President, this year also marks the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (TAC). He said that mutual trust and concrete cooperation can be a force for regional peace.

"Trust and concrete cooperation can be a positive force for regional stability and peace," he said.

Meanwhile, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang on the same occasion said ASEAN and China have committed to be sincere in treating each other. According to him, trust between the two parties has also grown deeper.

"Sincerity is the key that opens our hearts and trust is the bridge that connects minds. No matter how the international situation develops, ASEAN and China have maintained close communication, respecting and accommodating each other's needs," he said.

Li Qiang added that ASEAN-ROK cooperation has grown rapidly as both sides have a deep understanding of the challenges faced, a strong desire to achieve peace and a strong aspiration for development and maintaining regional stability.

"ASEAN-ROK cooperation will continue to be strong against all challenges, and both sides will achieve greater progress in the cooperation," he concluded. (VOI/Andy)