VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said on Tuesday that the solidarity shown by the ASEAN Plus Three member countries in handling the COVID-19 pandemic has sent an important message to the global community.

"In short, the main results that came out of the ASEAN Special Summit and the ASEAN Plus Three Summit once (again) showed the solidarity between their (member countries) leadership, their unity, in handling COVID-19. I think this message is important not only to the people of ASEAN Plus Three member countries but also to the world," said Foreign Minister Marsudi said.

Speaking in a video press conference after joining President Joko Widodo at the virtual ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit from the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Tuesday, she said that in the midst of their domestic challenges, APT member countries have continued to uphold the spirit of cooperation, displaying leadership and unity in collectively handling the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease.

"Aside from staying united, we should also not rest easy once the numbers show a decline. We are also committed to bring all the existing ASEAN Plus Three mechanisms back to life, as well as (launch) new initiatives such as the ASEAN Response Fund," she said. (ANTARA)