ASIATODAY.ID, MELBOURNE – The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the partnership between the two parties which falls this year.
Jokowi said ASEAN and Australia share a common responsibility to maintain stability, peace and prosperity in the region.
“As the oldest dialogue partner, strategic comprehensive partner and liaison partner with the Pacific region, ASEAN and Australia both share a region aimed at maintaining stability, peace and prosperity, that is our shared responsibility,” said Jokowi when addressing the summit plenary session. ASEAN-Australia Special in Melbourne, Wednesday, March 6 2024.
President Jokowi stated that ASEAN is predicted to become a global economic power and be ranked fourth in the world by 2040.
With a population of 650 million, most of whom are young workers with high technological literacy, Jokowi emphasized the importance of Australia’s support to maximize this potential.
For this reason, Jokowi is encouraging strengthening economic cooperation by strengthening economic integration, one of which is through the Southeast Asia-Australia Economic Strategy 2040 to encourage Australian investment in Southeast Asia.
Jokowi hopes that Australia can open up investment opportunities from ASEAN to Australia more widely.
According to him, both parties need to optimize several cooperation frameworks, such as the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
In particular, Jokowi appreciated the presence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta last year, and encouraged that the $28.1 billion commitment announced by Australia at the cooperation forum could be immediately realized .
Apart from that, Jokowi also highlighted the importance of Australia’s investment and support in ASEAN in dealing with climate change as well as cooperation in the digital economy. Australian support is very much needed, especially in the form of investment, easy access to innovative financing, and technology transfer.
Regarding collaboration on digital transformation, Jokowi appreciated the start of negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement last year. He hopes Australia can provide support through capacity and knowledge development, as well as strong public and private partnerships.
In concluding his speech, Jokowi reminded ASEAN and Australia to share the same future and must be the driving force for creating a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
“ASEAN and Australia are great partners for now and the future,” he said. (AT Network)
Check out other news and articles at Google News and WA Channel