Jakarta, LINews – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must be ready to make bold decisions; differences among members should not impede the progress of ASEAN members.
This was conveyed by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in a written statement, following the opening of the 34th Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) in Jakarta, on Monday (4 September 2023).
The 34th ACC Meeting is part of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on 5—7 September 2023.
Foreign Minister Retno said it is crucial for the ACC to be able to recommend the best course of action in the ASEAN leaders meeting.
“In this Summit we will adopt many important decisions that would chart the future of ASEAN as a community and an institution,” Retno said.
This includes steps to speed up the decision-making in crises and emergencies, as well as steps to bolster ASEAN’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges in the region.
Retno added that ASEAN is at a crossroads and that the credibility and relevance of ASEAN are at stake. “ASEAN’s progress depends on its members,” Retno emphasized.
It is the responsibility of the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) to oversee the development and implementation of documents as assigned by ASEAN leaders.
The document must seek cross-pillar input and approval from the three ASEAN Community Councils, namely the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AEC), and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) before being submitted to ASEAN leaders.
The 43rd ASEAN Summit, chaired by Indonesia, presents the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” This theme indicates that Indonesia expects the ASEAN to be relevant and significant as the center of economic growth.”
(Vhe)
