Minister Of Foreign Affairs Retno Encourages Increased Cooperation Between ASEAN And India

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi delivered a speech during the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers session at the 12th Delhi Dialogue in New Delhi, India, (photo: ANTARA dock)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi encourages increased cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India. During the ASEAN-India Special Meeting of Foreign Ministers held in New Delhi on Thursday, June 16, Retno discussed four issues of cooperation.

"First, jointly building a sustainable and resilient food supply chain for food security," said Retno when delivering a media briefing via video regarding her working visit to India, Friday.

In this regard, India and ASEAN can work together in the areas of strengthening production capacity, developing agricultural technology, and improving agricultural infrastructure. The Indonesian Foreign Minister also proposed strengthening cooperation to support health resilience in the region.

As a world pharmacy, India is expected to work closely with ASEAN to build stronger health resilience in the region.

Furthermore, Retno encouraged ASEAN and India to work together to create stability and peace by building an architecture of the Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive, mutually beneficial, and mutual trust.

“Fourth, I emphasize the importance of tolerance, moderation, and cooperation in interfaith dialogue. This collaboration is important if we want to bring our very diverse society closer," she said.

The ASEAN-India Special Meeting of Foreign Ministers was held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India relations. India makes 2022 the year of ASEAN-India friendship.