ASIATODAY.ID, LAOS – The 57th Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers was held in Vientiane, Laos, 25 July 2024. All ASEAN Foreign Ministers were present at the Meeting, except for Myanmar, represented by non-political officials, in accordance with previous ASEAN Decisions.
Some of the main messages conveyed by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi during the meeting included:
First, it is important for ASEAN to be future-oriented, adaptive and able to respond to various global challenges and world challenges such as an AI-based economy, green transition, climate change, food security and world water scarcity.
“Therefore, the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 must be equipped with a clear Strategic Plan,” he added.
Second, the importance of ASEAN’s greater role and solidarity on global issues. Retno said that “The current global situation must encourage us all to make more efforts to maintain peace and stability, and not allow open conflict to occur in the region.”
“Once again I emphasize the importance of respecting international law, including UNCLOS 1982 and regional norms,” said Retno.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, although many UN resolutions have been issued, to date there have been no implementation of them.
“ASEAN can show its solidarity and have a clear position so that cruelty and genocide can be immediately ended in Palestine,” said Retno.
Third, the importance of ASEAN support for Timor Leste to implement the Roadmap towards full ASEAN membership. Retno expressed Indonesia’s commitment to providing various capacity development assistance according to Timor Leste’s needs.
“Indonesia advised the Secretariat to form a special unit dedicated to helping Timor Leste become a full member of ASEAN,” said Retno.
Apart from that, the plenary meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers discussed, among other things, the development of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the development of the Roadmap for Timor Leste’s full membership of ASEAN, the development of TAC (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation) accession, ASEAN centrality and institutions, green economy, climate change , strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat, and developing ASEAN cooperation with its dialogue partners. (AT Network)
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