Calls AIS Indonesia's Contribution And Leadership Commitment Forum, Foreign Minister Retno: Must Produce Innovative Solutions

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Abi12)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Archipelagic and Island States Forum (AIS Forum) was a form of Indonesia's commitment as a homeland and maritime country, at a meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Bali, Tuesday.

In its opening, Foreign Minister Retno said the importance of solidarity in the midst of world conditions that are not doing well, to overcome common challenges. "I convey that AIS Forum must be a forum that produces innovative solutions and ensures sustainable seas," said Foreign Minister Retno when giving a statement, Tuesday, October 10.

He further said, it is important for the AIS Forum to synergize with other initiatives at the global level to increase the impact it produces. "All delegates convey the importance of cooperation and collaboration. And we are happy, the commitments conveyed by the countries present at the ministerial meeting earlier, which emphasized the importance of cooperation, solidarity and collaboration," he said.

"This is certainly a big asset for the AIS Forum to work harder in the future," he continued.

He further said that the AIS Forum was a manifestation of Indonesia's commitment as an archipelagic country and a maritime country.

"As the largest archipelagic country, Indonesia is committed to being at the forefront of efforts to face common challenges. And we know that archipelagic countries are the countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change," said Foreign Minister Retno.

"We know that an inclusive forum is focused on finding innovative solutions in facing these various global challenges, as well as encouraging the achievement of SDGs, especially SDG 14 which are related to the sea," he said.

According to him, AIS is also intended to help, collaborate in the context of achieving SDG 14. And in this regard, AIS forum is also used by Indonesia to help achieve SDG 14 for island and island countries.

Next, Foreign Minister Retno said the AIS Forum was a commitment to Indonesia's contribution and leadership.

"Since the establishment of this Forum, we have been very active in contributing to determining the direction of AIS cooperation in the future. Especially once again, our focus is practical cooperation, innovative solutions that have roots in each country, including local wisdom.

In the midst of a world situation like this, Indonesia chose to prioritize, to strengthen cooperation and collaboration. This is Indonesia's contribution to the world," said Foreign Minister Retno.

"AIS This Forum is also the first open and inclusive global forum. So not only small archipelagic countries, but also covering archipelagic countries and the issue of inclusiveness is also one of the main spirit of the AIS meeting," said Foreign Minister Retno.