Jokowi Emphasizes the Importance of Inclusive Cooperation at the ASEAN-Australia Summit

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) while attending the second ASEAN-Australia Summit at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday. (photo: dock. between)

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) called for the importance of inclusive cooperation to strengthen strategic trust at the second ASEAN-Australia Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, November 12.

According to President Jokowi, as strategic comprehensive partners, ASEAN and Australia have an important role to play in building a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

"ASEAN and Australia also share a common view on the importance of respect for international law. I hope that Australia will also share the same view as ASEAN on the importance of inclusive cooperation. Inclusivity is very important to strengthen strategic trust", he said according to an official statement received in Jakarta.

In the forum which was attended directly by ASEAN leaders and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the President stated the focus on cooperation that could be strengthened between ASEAN and Australia.

The concrete cooperation in the Indo-Pacific context between ASEAN and Australia was Jokowi's first focus.

"I am sure that ASEAN-Australia can immediately take up several pilot projects from the 4 priority cooperation listed in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. In that regard, as Chair of ASEAN next year, Indonesia expects Australia's participation in the Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum", said Jokowi, quoted by Antara.

Second, Australia can be a bridge to strengthen communication between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Jokowi even suggested the start of formal communication between the secretariats of the two organizations.

"Thirdly, on a bilateral note, I invite Australia to attend and contribute to the Indonesia-Pacific Forum for Development meeting, which will primarily pay attention to economic cooperation and development in the Pacific region", he said.

President Jokowi closed his introduction by underlining the important role of ASEAN and Australia, which have the responsibility to make the region the epicenter of growth.

Also attending to accompany President Jokowi in the activity were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, and Minister of State Secretary Pratikno.