Vice President Encourages Effective Realization Of ASEAN-Australia Economic Agreement

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin/ANTARA PHOTO/M Agung Rajasa/YU

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin encourages strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Australia through the effective implementation of various bilateral economic agreements, according to Foreign Minister (Menlu) Retno Marsudi.

In a press briefing in Vientiane, Laos, Thursday, October 10, Retno said this was conveyed by the Vice President at a high-level meeting between ASEAN and Australia in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit series.

"The Vice President encourages the effective implementation... RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), then ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (Free trade Agreement), as well as Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy 2040," said Retno, as stated in a written statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported by ANTARA.

He said the 2040 Strategy was a step for the Kangaroo State to make Southeast Asia one of the priorities for strengthening economic cooperation until 2040.

"In the meeting, the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia also encouraged the strengthening of ASEAN-Australia cooperation in politics and security, especially related to efforts to deal with terrorism and transnational crimes," said Retno.

"In addition, ASEAN continues to encourage the strengthening of cooperation with Australia in the fields of education, culture, and increased pole-to-people interactions, including through the optimization of the ASEAN-Australia Center," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

In addition to these three things, Ma'ruf Amin, in his capacity as chairman of the Indonesian Delegation, expressed his hope that Australia could remain committed to avoiding defense policies that trigger the arms and tension race in the region.

"Mr. Vice President also asked for Australia's support for the Palestinian issue, including issues related to recognition of Palestine," said Retno.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister said efforts to maintain regional peace and stability were one of the important messages conveyed by the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia at various meetings along the ASEAN Summit, including in meetings with ASEAN partner countries including Australia.

"This message is increasingly important to see the current world situation, where in various parts of the world there are conflicts and wars," said Retno.

"Starting this year until 2027, Indonesia will be the coordinator of the ASEAN-Australia partnership after serving as the coordinator of the ASEAN-United States partnership until 2023," said Retno, adding.