ASIATODAY.ID, LUANG PRABANG – ASEAN Foreign Ministers held the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Retreat in Luang Prabang, Laos, on January 29 2023.
The first meeting at the Minister of Foreign Affairs level under the chairmanship of Laos included, among other things, agreeing to continue the results of the previous year’s chairmanship of Indonesia.
“Several things agreed upon at the AMM Retreat meeting included the continuation of various deliverables from Indonesia’s chairmanship last year, including support for the continuation of the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) and the continuation of the implementation of the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue,” said Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi in a press statement after the meeting.
Apart from that, the meeting also agreed to continue mainstreaming the maritime agenda in ASEAN to encourage regional maritime stability and cooperation, including the blue economy and holding the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF)/Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).
Another agreement is to continue mainstreaming the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) in various ASEAN-led mechanisms. In this case, the Concept Note on AOIP-based Comprehensive Regional Architecture from Indonesia has been approved for further discussion.
The meeting also agreed to support the plan for the Trilateral Summit China, Japan, ROK.
Regarding Palestine, ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed concern and called for an immediate cessation of violence and ceasefire in Gaza, strongly condemned acts of violence against civilians, supported the two-state solution, and urged Israel to comply with the International Court’s decision regarding Gaza.
The AMM Retreat meeting was divided into two sessions, namely Session I which discussed Laos’ priorities as Chair of ASEAN and the follow-up to the previous Summit, including the implementation of 5PC, and Session II which discussed the regional and international situation.
In Session I, Indonesia, among other things, expressed support for the chairmanship of Laos this year. Indonesia also underlined several important things that need to be followed up under Laos’ chairmanship.
Regarding the Myanmar situation, Indonesia, among other things, welcomed the recommitment of ASEAN Foreign Ministers to make 5PC the main reference for ASEAN’s efforts to help Myanmar get out of the crisis. Indonesia also said that all notes on handling the Myanmar issue during Indonesia’s chairmanship last year have been submitted to Laos as chairman this year.
“Indonesia also hopes that there will be no permissive actions that could hamper or delay the implementation of 5PC. “Engagement with stakeholders must be carried out carefully so that it is not politically capitalized by certain stakeholders,” said Minister Retno.
Indonesia expressed its readiness to contribute through the troika mechanism.
“Discussions within this troika mechanism are expected to not only be limited to consultations, but also include coordination of humanitarian assistance and facilitation of inclusive dialogue,” he added. (AT Network)
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