Encourage Strengthening Food Security Cooperation And ASEAN Nuclear Large Zone, Foreign Minister Retno: Russia's Support Is Very Important

JAKARTA - Indonesia expects Russia's support and cooperation with ASEAN, mainly related to food security and the embodiment of the nuclear arms-free zone, said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at a meeting between Foreign Minister ASEAN and Russia represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) in Jakarta, Thursday.

Foreign Minister Retno said Russia had been ASEAN's dialogue partner for more than 26 years. Five years ago the relationship between the two rose to become a Strategic Partnership. However, now the world situation has changed drastically.

"Collaboration paradigms are needed to save the world. As friends of Russia and Ukraine, Indonesia is tireless of calling for peace. Our partnership must realize this paradigm in concrete action," said Foreign Minister Retno, citing a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, July 13.

Foreign Minister Retno further said that her party hopes that Russia can support the mainstreaming of ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and ASEAN's work with partners.

According to him, there are two collaborative areas that need to be encouraged. First, cooperation in the field of food security. It is known, ASEAN plans to propose a Declaration of Leaders for Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition to Respond to the Crisis at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in September.

"Russian support for this initiative is very important given Russia's status as a global producer of wheat and fertilizer," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Second, ensure the nuclear arms-free zone in Southeast Asia. The Foreign Minister said ASEAN was formed to maintain long-term peace and inclusive prosperity in the region. This is impossible to achieve without ensuring Southeast Asia remains a nuclear weapons-free region.

"Therefore, all nuclear weapons-owning countries must advance non-proliferation and armament cuts. For that, I hope Russia can access the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Contract Protocol as soon as possible," hoped Foreign Minister Retno.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized Moscow's support for ASEAN's centrality in the architectural development of the inclusive region in Indo-Pacific as a foundation for security and prosperity, based on UN Charter principles.

It is known, in this meeting, ASEAN countries encouraged the strengthening of economic cooperation, energy and food security through the implementation of the Plan of Action 2021-2025.

ASEAN countries also encourage cooperation in the fields of tourism, science and technology, smart cities, the digital economy to technology transfer. Meanwhile, related to the security aspect, meetings discussed the importance of cooperation in overcoming the smuggling of narcotics, terrorism and internet-based crimes.

In addition, ASEAN also called for peaceful conflict resolution and invited Russia to take advantage of ASEAN platforms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to advance peaceful dialogue.

From this meeting, both parties adopted the Joint Statement of ASEAN and Russia Foreign Ministers on the Occasion of 5th Anniversary of ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership, which among other things agreed on inclusive cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific