Meeting With Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, US Security Adviser Supports ASEAN On Myanmar Conflict Resolution

JAKARTA - The United States (US) National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan supports ASEAN's efforts to resolve the conflict in Myanmar. This was conveyed during a meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the White House, Washington DC, USA, Monday, August 2.

In the meeting, Foreign Minister Retno and Advisor Jake discussed various issues, one of which was on regional security, by highlighting developments in Myanmar, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, to the peace process in Afghanistan.

"Regarding developments in Myanmar, NSA Sullivan conveyed US support for ASEAN's role, including in efforts to restore democracy and humanitarian assistance for the Myanmar people in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic", said Foreign Minister Retno in a written statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, August 3.

Previously, Foreign Minister Retno emphasized that ASEAN would not remain silent regarding humanitarian assistance for the people of Myanmar, especially for women and children who were very affected by the current conflict.

Foreign Minister Retno said she and NSA Sullivan realized the importance of all parties to be able to continue to contribute to efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Indonesia said that ASEAN is open to concrete cooperation for the implementation of the 'ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific', with a focus on 4 priorities, namely cooperation in the maritime sector, connectivity, SDGs, and investment trade.

"Regarding Afghanistan, we are committed to continuing to encourage a peace process that is accepted by all parties and according to the wishes of the Afghan people. I also convey that Indonesia will continue its cooperation with Afghanistan, especially in the field of women's empowerment", said Foreign Minister Retno.

In addition to regional stability issues, Foreign Minister Retno and Jake Sullivan also discussed bilateral issues to strengthen Indonesia's strategic partnership with the US. For example, Uncle Sam's Country assistance for Indonesia related to the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yesterday, US Security Adviser Jake Sullivan delivered an additional commitment of USD 30 million in US assistance for the handling of the pandemic, in the form of supplies of oxygen equipment, medical equipment, and medicines.

So that in total to date, the US has provided support since the beginning of the pandemic amounting to USD 65 million, as well as 8.000.160 doses of COVID-19 vaccine with a dose-sharing scheme through the COVAX Facility.