Leave The Chairship Of ASEAN To Laos, President Jokowi: Let's Confirm The Indo-Pacific Area As A Peace Theater And Inclusiveness

President Joko Widodo symbolically handed over ASEAN Chairship to Laos Prime Minister Sonopay Sryptone. (Screenshot of the YouTube channel of the Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo appreciates the support of all members and partner countries for the chairmanship of Indonesia, inviting all parties to increase cooperation in order to make ASEAN peaceful and prosperous, as well as a better world.

President Jokowi said, during the three days held, the 43rd ASEAN Summit held 12 meetings which resulted in 90 outcome documents and concrete agreements with partners.

"I capture optimism and positive energy from all those present. This strengthens hopes, enthusiasm to continue the struggle to create a peaceful, region that is stable and prosperous," President Jokowi said in his speech closing the ASEAN 43rd Summit in Jakarta, Thursday, September 7.

"Let's strengthen the Indo-Pacific area as a peace theater and inclusiveness," said President Jokowi.

According to him, this is a key foundation that will lead ASEAN to a better future for the people and for the world.

"This is the essence that Indonesia's chairman builds, making ASEAN Matters the Epicenturm of Growth," he said.

But, continued President Jokowi, the task is not yet. He said the big ASEAN work could not be completed in just one chairman.

"We will continue to face various dynamics and the complexity of global challenges," he said.

"For this reason, we must work hand in hand, navigate challenges into opportunities, navigate rivalry into collaboration, navigate exclusivity into inclusivity and navigate differences into unity," said President Jokowi.

"We must be the captain on our own ship. And, this is the time, the chairman's stick is handed over to Laos," said President Jokowi.

"Let us continue to strengthen collaboration and cooperation, for ASEAN which is peaceful and prosperous, and make the world a better place for all," said President Jokowi.

As a sign of the transition of ASEAN chairmanship from Indonesia to Laos, President Joko Widodo symbolically handed over the hammer of chairmanship to Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Smaildone.