ASIATODAY.ID, VIANTIANE – ASEAN Foreign Ministers held the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) meeting in Vientiane, Laos on October 8 2024.
The ACC meeting aims to discuss ASEAN institutional processes before the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits are held in Vientiane, Laos.
Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi used the meeting to emphasize Indonesia’s full support for Timor Leste’s integration process in ASEAN.
There are three key steps proposed by Retno:
First, the need to establish a special support unit for Timor-Leste in the ASEAN Secretariat, to support the various milestones of the roadmap for Timor Leste integration.
Second, the importance of focusing on strengthening institutional and technical capacity, so that Timor-Leste can play an active role in the ASEAN Community Development process in all three pillars.
Third, increasing Timor-Leste’s participation in ASEAN meetings.
“I think the time has come for Timor-Leste to be involved in substantive discussions and in forming ASEAN priorities,” said Retno.
Closing her speech, Retno again expressed her appreciation for Laos’ Chairmanship in ASEAN which has helped maintain the continuity of ASEAN’s work, and emphasized Indonesia’s support for Malaysia’s Chairmanship in ASEAN next year.
During the meeting, ASEAN foreign ministers also expressed their appreciation for Minister Retno’s dedication over the last 10 years in strengthening ASEAN, and were ready to support Minister Retno’s next assignment as the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for water issues. (AT Network)
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