Foreign minister heads to Jakarta for ASEAN meets
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn departed Cambodia on February 2 for the Indonesian capital Jakarta to attend the 32nd ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) and ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Retreat on February 3-4.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on February 1 that the 32nd ACC Meeting is to focus on the follow-up to the “ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Application of Timor-Leste for ASEAN Membership” and the “Declaration on the Blue Economy”.
The assembled foreign ministers will also discuss the priorities for the coming year.
At the AMM Retreat, ministers will deliberate on the follow-up to the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits, including the “ASEAN Leaders’ Review and Decision on the Implementation of the Five-Point Consensus” on Myanmar.
“Recommendations on Strengthening ASEAN’s Capacity and Institutional Effectiveness by the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision” will also be discussed, with views exchanged on external relations, as well as on regional and international issues of common interest and concern.
Indonesia will lead the ASEAN process this year under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum
of Growth” to ensure the regional bloc becomes a focal point of cooperation contributing to the peace, stability and prosperity of Southeast Asia and the world.
“On the sidelines of the gathering, Sokhonn is expected to hold separate dialogues with some of his ASEAN counterparts,” the ministry announcement said.
The Indonesia Foreign Ministry on February 2 said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi will chair the AMM Retreat on February 4.
The AMM meeting will be the first ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting held during
Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023.
The AMM Retreat will be preceded by the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on February 2 and the 32nd ASEAN Coordinating Council meeting the following day.
In the series of meetings, several agendas will be discussed, including the priorities for Indonesia’s chairmanship and following up on the outcomes of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in 2022.
Indonesia will under its chairmanship promote stronger ASEAN cooperation in response to various regional and global challenges,
such as geopolitical rivalries and the continuing impact of Covid-19, as well as natural disasters and financial, energy and food crises.
“Indonesia continues its determination in maintaining stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region, through the paradigm of collaboration.
“The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific [AOIP], an Indonesian initiative, was adopted by ASEAN leaders in June 2019 and aims to maintain regional stability through partnerships, dialogue and cooperation,” the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.